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Questions about College Goal Sunday:
What is the College Goal Sunday Program?
The College Goal Sunday Program is a free service to assist in the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Do I need to bring anything with me to the College Goal Sunday program?
In order to complete the FAFSA at the College Goal Sunday Program, you and your parents will need certain documents/records.
Who should attend the College Goal Sunday program?
Anyone interested in attending a postsecondary institution who might need financial assistance in paying for college. Bring your parent(s) or legal guardian with you to the program.
Will I need to complete my 2008 tax return before completing the FAFSA?
If the student or his/her parent(s) are filing a 2008 income tax return, we recommend filling it out before completing the FAFSA. However, the income tax return does not need to be sent to the IRS before filling out the FAFSA.
How long will the College Goal Sunday session last?
The session is scheduled for two hours beginning at 2 p.m. The program will begin with a brief introduction to the FAFSA completion process followed by detailed assistance in completing the form.
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Questions about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and Financial Aid:
What is the FAFSA?
Students use this application to apply for federal student grants, work-study money, and loans to assist them in funding their college education. They also may use this application to apply for most state and some private financial aid.
When should I complete the FAFSA?
You should apply as soon as possible after January 1, once your parents have completed their 2008 U.S. income tax return. If the college has a deadline earlier than when your parents will have their taxes done, go ahead and estimate and meet the college's deadline. You can always correct the information later.
My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent fills out the FAFSA?
The parent you lived with most during the last 12 months. If you didn't live with either parent, or if you lived with each parent an equal number of days, use the parent who provided most of the support to you in the most recent calendar year.
Does my step-parent's income and assets have to be reported on the FASFA?
If the parent whose information you are reporting on the FASFA has married or remarried, you must include information about your step-parent (even if they were not married in 2008).
My parents own a farm. Does this have to be included under assets?
If you and your parents live on the farm and your parents claimed on Schedule F of the U.S. Tax return that they "materially participated in the farm's operation," the farm does not have to be listed under assets.
What if I don't have a Social Security number or don't want to report it on the FAFSA?
You must enter your Social Security number on the FAFSA. If you don't submit your social security number, the form will be returned unprocessed and you will not be considered for federal student aid. Additionally, at least one parent social security number along with name and date of birth must also be supplied.
When is a student independent?
Under the federal definition, an independent student is one who meets at least one of the following conditions:
- Is 24 years old (born before January 1, 1986 for the 2009-10 academic year)
- Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Is an orphan (parents deceased) or ward of the court (or was a ward of the court until age 18)
- Has legal dependents other than a spouse
- Is married
- Is a graduate or a professional student
- Is currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training
My father (or mother) recently died. How do I complete parental income information?
Complete the FAFSA using the income, tax liability and asset information of the surviving parent only.
The FAFSA asks about last year's income. My parent now is unemployed and our income is significantly less. What should we do?
Go ahead and fill out the FAFSA using the 2008 information. However, when you get your SAR back, you need to see or write the Financial Aid Administrator at the school(s) you want to attend. Explain the situation documenting the decrease in income. Financial Aid Administrators might use professional judgment to adjust your need if it is warranted and can be documented sufficiently to meet federal guidelines.
Can my parents and I fill out the FAFSA over the internet?
Yes, you can fill out the FAFSA online. It is recommended that you and your parents get PIN codes first so you can sign the FAFSA electronically and not have to print out, sign and send in a paper signature page. Here are the web addresses:
Questions about the FAFSA for Foster Youth or Wards of the Court
My foster parents get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare benefits for me because I am a ward of the court. Is this my income? (Paper FAFSA: Worksheet A, question #40; online FAFSA: Section 6)
No. These benefits are income for the person receiving them. Do not include as part of your income any TANF or welfare benefits received by another person even if they are designated for your support or care.
A family member gets Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare benefits for me because I am a ward of the court. Is this my income? (Paper FAFSA: Worksheet A, question #40; online FAFSA: Section 6)
No. These benefits are income for the person receiving them. Do not include as part of your income any TANF or welfare benefits received by another person even if they are designated for your support or care.
I am a single parent with one child and will get free day care for my child (from family member or free day care center) while I go to college. Does this “free” income have to be reported on the FAFSA? (Paper FAFSA: Worksheet B, question #41; online FAFSA: Section 6)
No, this service is not income and the information is not collected on the FAFSA. However, note that you need to let your school know that you are receiving free dependent care; an allowance for dependent care may not be added to your cost of attendance.
I have a child who will be living with me, and my income will be from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Do I answer “yes” to Question #51? Are TANF or welfare benefits considered to be like earned income? (Paper FAFSA: Question 51; online FAFSA: Section 2)
You would answer “yes” to this question as long as you provide more than half of the child’s support. Note: TANF or welfare benefits that are paid to you are considered untaxed income and would be listed in Step 2, Worksheet A.
I am a ward of the court but graduated from high school and then went to live with my parent for two months. Did I lose my independent status? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
A student is considered to be independent if he or she is a ward of the court, or was a ward of the court until the individual reached the age of 18. If your ward of the court status changed before you reached age 18, you may be considered dependent on your parent. In that case, you should talk about your situation with the financial aid administrator at your college.
I am a dependent child of the court of my county. Is this the same as a “ward” of the court? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
The term “ward” is used to mean “dependent” of the court. You are a ward of the court (regardless whether this status is determined by the county or state) if the court has assumed custody of you. You should have court ordered documents that designate you a ward of the court.
I am no longer under the court because my foster parents took legal guardianship of me a few years ago. However, my foster parents do not support me with their own financial resources. They still get a foster care check each month for me. How do I answer question #53? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
You still can be a ward of the court if you have a legal guardian or foster parents; check with the court to determine your current status. Note: Neither legal guardians nor foster parents are considered parents when completing the FAFSA.
My parents died when I was very young. A family member or someone else is my court appointed, legal guardian. They have provided support for me all my life. How do I complete the FAFSA? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
You must complete the FAFSA as an independent student. A legal guardian is not considered a parent for purposes of completing the FAFSA.
I turned 18 and graduated, so my court case was closed. My college is saying I am no longer an independent student because I’m no longer a ward of the court. Am I considered dependent or independent? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
You are considered to be independent if you are a ward of the court, or were a ward of the court until you reached the age of 18. You should check “yes” to this question if you were a ward of the court until you reached 18.
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