Expert: David Disraeli - 9/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: This may be just the same thing you hear every day but I have an odd situation. I got pel the last semester I was at my college and got audited. Now this semester my father refuses to give me his information and won't help me fill out the application. I go to a Native University and I could get tribal money but I have to be eledgiable for pel to get it. So I can't get financial aid or tribal money and then since the tuition is only $215 my school doesn't allow me to get a student loan. I have tried to talk to everyone at my school and all they tell me is that I'm out of luck. I have a heavy school load and don't really want to get a job to get through so if you could possibly give me a direction on what to do that would be great! thanks

ANSWER: Hi Taylor,

Couple of questions:  What do you need the money for if tuition is so cheap?  What exactly have the people at the school said?

I know nothing about tribal money, but I do know that you need your father or parent's tax information.  The other option is to apply as independent which you wouldn't qualify for normally.  I wish I could be of more help.

David Disraeli

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for responding but I need money to buy things such as towels, clothes, bed set, school supplies, and other things, so I can survive while I'm in school. My father's tax information is what he won't give me and since he's married I need his wifes information also. He doesn't file his taxes and that's why he doesn't want to give me it. I tried the independent thing but that didn't work, and the people I talked to told me that I have to have his information to get any kind of money. I  can't get loans through my college and don't have any person that can be a co-signer for me. Thats all i've been told. I have tried everything I possibly can to get this but I have supported myself for the last three years. I have always had a job but I don't feel that I should have one to go to school. It's stressfull to have a job and go to school full time. If there is anybody that you can tell me to contact or what I should do about this please help me, i don't know what else to do

Answer
I think you are in a tough spot.  I think you will have to work and go to school at the same time, perhaps taking less hours.  I just can't think of anything that you haven't tried.  To file independent you need to be 24 or married or a veteran , or an orphan.

I would argue that you are an orphan but the government won't buy it.  Wish I could be more help and good luck.

David