How do I get financial aid? I'm 23 and still have to report my parents income - even though they aren't paying

Anyone can get "financial aid" in the form of student loans regardless of their (or their parents) financial aid. You do not have to have good credit to get federal student loans. Here is a good book about the different kinds of financial aid and the max amounts you can get.

It stinks I know, but alot of people are having this same issue including myself. Even though you don't live with your parents their income will affect your eligibility until you are 24 or if you have a baby. Which ever comes first. Since you are 23 and close to 24 you have two options only: 1)Wait til your 24. 2)Get a loan until you are 24. Again, I know it stinks and is unfair but that's the way grants are setup for some odd reason.

You are locked into being a dependent student until you either exceed the age limit (24), get married, have children or acquire dependents, become a veteran of the armed forces, or go into grad school. It is a little late for orphan or ward of the court. lol You are stuck with using your parents info, there is no getting around it just because they refuse to assist you in paying for school. Even if they make a lot of money you are going to be eligible for Stafford loans. What you may consider doing is getting a couple of jobs and working real hard for the next year and try and sort out your credit issues and save some money for school. By the time a year goes by you would probably be pretty close to being considered independent if you are 23 now.

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