Expert: Tim G - 4/24/2009

Question
I'm 20 years old and have lived on my own since I was 17.
I have never lived with my parents. My grand mother raised me untill she died when I was 17. My grandfather is also deceased. From what I have been told, I'm required to show my parents tax information to receive my pell grant. I think my FAFSA may have been red flaged due to the way I had to answer the information about my parents. The only documentation that I have is my ss card and drivers license. I need to know what would be the best way for me to have all documents necessary for me to start school.

Answer
Ask the school to make a professional judgment on your status (usually a committee). Ask them to make you an independent student instead of a dependent student.

fyi, you will have to prove that you live on your own, have a job, etc.


If they tell you they don't do it, tell them they are breaking dept of ED rules, and report them at the following location:

"6. Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) provides a hotline for individuals to call to report fraud, waste, or abuse involving federal student aid funds or Department of Education funds, programs, or employees. Anyone having such knowledge should call 1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733). All callers can be assured of absolute confidentiality. Reports can also be submitted via email (to oig_hotline@ed.gov) or the OIG online complaint form."