Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be a daunting task for any student, but it can be especially challenging for students with disabled parents. The FAFSA requires a lot of financial information, and it can be difficult to know how to report your parents’ income and assets if they are disabled.
This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the FAFSA if you have a disabled parent. We will also provide you with information on the resources that are available to help you with the FAFSA process.
Step 1: Gather Your Parents’ Financial Information
The first step in filling out the FAFSA is to gather your parents’ financial information. This includes their income, assets, and expenses. You can find this information on their tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
If your parents are disabled, they may have additional sources of income, such as Social Security benefits or disability payments. Be sure to include this information on the FAFSA.
Step 2: Report Your Parents’ Income
The next step is to report your parents’ income on the FAFSA. This includes their wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment income. You can find this information on their tax returns.
If your parents are disabled, they may have a lower income than other parents. This is because they may not be able to work full-time or they may have to take time off from work for medical appointments.
If your parents’ income is low, you may be eligible for a Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is a federal grant that does not have to be repaid.
Step 3: Report Your Parents’ Assets
The next step is to report your parents’ assets on the FAFSA. This includes their savings, checking accounts, investments, and real estate. You can find this information on their bank statements and investment account statements.
If your parents are disabled, they may have fewer assets than other parents. This is because they may have had to use their assets to pay for medical expenses.
If your parents’ assets are low, you may be eligible for a need-based scholarship. Need-based scholarships are scholarships that are awarded to students who have financial need.
Step 4: Report Your Parents’ Expenses
The next step is to report your parents’ expenses on the FAFSA. This includes their housing costs, food costs, transportation costs, and medical expenses. You can find this information on their bills and receipts.
If your parents are disabled, they may have higher expenses than other parents. This is because they may have to pay for medical equipment, transportation to medical appointments, and other disability-related expenses.
If your parents’ expenses are high, you may be eligible for a hardship waiver. A hardship waiver is a waiver that allows you to exclude certain expenses from your FAFSA calculations.
Step 5: Submit Your FAFSA
Once you have gathered all of the necessary information, you can submit your FAFSA online or by mail. The FAFSA is due on June 30 each year.
If you have any questions about the FAFSA process, you can contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
Resources for Students with Disabled Parents
There are a number of resources available to help students with disabled parents with the FAFSA process. These resources include:
- The FAFSA website: The FAFSA website has a section dedicated to students with disabilities. This section provides information on how to fill out the FAFSA, what resources are available, and how to get help.
- The Federal Student Aid Information Center: The Federal Student Aid Information Center can answer your questions about the FAFSA process and provide you with information on resources for students with disabilities.
- Your school’s financial aid office: Your school’s financial aid office can help you with the FAFSA process and provide you with information on resources for students with disabilities.
- Disability organizations: Disability organizations can provide you with information on resources for students with disabilities and help you advocate for your rights.
