Unsure of whose income you should report on your FAFSA? We break it down here! 

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Whose income do I report on my FAFSA?

There are a few key questions that help you determine which parent’s income(s) you will have to report on your FAFSA:

• Are your parents married to each other?

• If yes, you need to report both parents’ incomes.

• If not, go to the next question!

• If your parents are not married, do they live together?

• If yes, you need to report both parent’s incomes.

• If not, go to the next question!

• If your parents are not married and do not live together, which parent provided more financial support?

• You want to report the parent who provided more support.

• If they are re-married, you will also have to include the income of your stepparent.

• If they are not re-married, you will just report the income of the parent who provided the most financial support.

• If your parents are separated and they both provided equal financial support, report the income of the parent who earns more a year.

This can obviously get confusing! Be sure to talk with your parent(s) and stepparent(s) as you go through this process! Federal Student Aid also has a tool for you to determine who to list. 

Contributing to a student's FAFSA as an undocumented parent/guardian

If you’re a dependent student living with one or more undocumented parents, you can still complete the FAFSA with your Social Security number. Parent(s) without an SSN can still make a StudentAid.gov account and contribute to a student’s FAFSA by using FSA's manual identity verification process.

It’s important to understand that at this time, personal data submitted through the FAFSA–including a contributor’s citizenship status–may or MAY NOT be protected by the U.S. Department of Education. While contributing to a student’s FAFSA as an undocumented parent generally should not affect their eligibility to receive federal financial aid, other potential risks that undocumented contributors may face are currently unknown. Before completing the FAFSA, we advise you to talk to your family to make an informed decision that works best for you. 

Having trouble accessing parent information?

If you are unable to provide parent information due to no contact, you can select “Yes” to the “Do unusual circumstances prevent the student from contacting their parents or would contacting their parents pose a risk to the student?” question on the FAFSA. You will have to follow up with the financial aid office of your college to provide supporting documentation.

Need more help with your FAFSA?

Text #FAFSA to 33-55-77 and we'll walk you through every step of filing your FAFSA.