So yesterday brought much more frustration on the financial aid front. In the research I have done I have found that while according to the questions on the FAFSA I am not considered independent, that my financial aid administrator has the power to make a judgement call to say that I am in fact independent and can apply for aid as such. After explaining my situation to the financial aid administrator at my school, she is refusing to do this. She said that my situation is not abuse or abandonment and without a letter from a pastor or a court order or police report, she will not make an exception. She also told me that the fact that I can't get a co-signer for a loan is a "personal problem". Gotta love how those at a Christian college are oh so eager to help. NOT! And when I made a comment about my years so far and the money spent being a waste, her response was "I hope it wasn't a waste and that you got something out of them". Well yes I got something out of them but I don't think that's going to do much when applying for jobs without a degree! It's frustrating when I've already put so much money into the classes and have gotten perfect grades so they know I'm serious, that the college has absolutely no interest in helping.
So today I'm looking into a different angle. I'm attempting to research the option of emancipation. I have heard from some that this an option that I can pursue and while I will not be able to receive my parent's health insurance benefits, I will be able to complete the FAFSA as an independent. I've also heard that since I am already over 18 that I cannot be emancipated, and another thing that I have heard is that even if I can be emancipated that still doesn't apply to financial aid. So the search begins! So far I have only been able to find information about emancipation for minors, but I will continue to search. Is there anyone who has actually done this? I've heard of people who know people who have, but I really need to talk to someone who has actually been through it and can give me some direction! I'll be sure to report back on my findings soon!
Hey Bethany!
ReplyDeleteI went through the SAME exact issue this spring. I am not sure of your situation but here is what I had to present to prove that I was indeed an independent to receive financial aid:
1. Lease agreement to prove that I was living on my own
2. Insurance bills (health/auto)
3. 2 pay stubs from my job
4. Letter from a pastor (notarized)
5. Letter from a family friend stating that I live on my own
6. Paperwork from the school again proving my independent status
7. Letter from my mother (signed by her and myself) stating she will not support me financially
8. On my FAFSA I submitted it under 'special circumstances'
Hmm...I think that was it. That letter from my mother came after I was denied again! but the financial aid told me the letter from my mother would push the decision in my favor. Ill look through my school folder tonight and let you know if I left anything out.
Hope this helps!
Megan Lade
On Monday I will be posting an article about this very situation. I went through much of the same thing and will be sharing what I did, and what I have learned to get through it.
ReplyDeleteIt is frustrating! The way the FAFSA is done is wrong because it does create a tremendous roadblock for many young people.
Bethany, according to your school you should be eligible for unsubsidized federal student loans because they are not need based loans.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.liberty.edu/financeadmin/financialaid/index.cfm?PID=21466
Go back and talk to a different person in financial aid (if you can, face to face). Get a name, and direct extension, and build a personal relationship with that person. Go up the chain to the top supervisor if need be.
Plus if your dad is denied a PLUS loan (or refuses to take one out...may require a judgment call by financial aid advisor) you are eligible for an additional $6,000 in unsubsidized loans.
There are other ways to get money, but at least for the fall semester you can fall back on these much less expensive federal loans and you won't have the same credit-worthy issues as the private loans.
I'll definitely continue to talk to the financial aid department and find someone else that I can work (unfortunately I'm an online student and the college is several hours away from me - never even been there!)
ReplyDeleteI know that I should be qualified for an unsubsidized stafford loan, however I need to complete the FAFSA for this correct? And my dad will not fill out the information for it, that's part of the oh so fun circle I'm stuck in... And the person I spoke with last refused to make that judgment call, however again I will try to find someone else who will perhaps be more willing to help on that front as well.
Thanks so much for your input and I'm definitely looking forward to your posting on this issue!