How soon should I receive my financial aid after I receive my SAR?

Can I still receive financial aid if my grandparents pay for tution?

• I am currently a full time student, and also working part time. My grandparents pay for my school tuition, and my parents help me out with some things here and there, so they still claim me as a dependent. My step-dad's income is in a nice bracket, so I'm pretty sure I would not be able to qualify for any or much aid/grants/scholarships if I am still being claimed as an dependent by him, and file as a dependent. If stopped receiving help from my parents, and began filing as an independent, would I potentially be able to receive said financial aid/grants/scholarships even though my grandparents are paying for my tuition. I feel like this is kind of cheating the system, but I'm in a bit of financial hardship right now, and falling behind in school because of this to work more hours a week. Ultimately, if I begin filing myself as an independent, but have my school's tuition payed for by my grandparents, would I still be able to receive financial aid/scholarships/grants? Would There be a possibility of me getting audited? The aid would ultimately go towards books, some school necessities, but mostly food and rent so that I can cut back my work hours and buckle down on my school work. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Quick answer: Your FAFSA filing status (independent or dependent) has nothing at all to do with your IRS tax filing status. They are based on completely different concepts. If you answer were "no" to all of these questions: Were you born before January 1, 1989? -As of today, are you married? (Also answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.) -At the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program? -Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training? -Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces? -Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013? -Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2013? -At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court? -At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court? -At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court? -At any time on or after July 1, 2011, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless? -At any time on or after July 1, 2011, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless? -At any time on or after July 1, 2011, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless? then you are a dependent student for FASFA purposes and your financial aid eligibility will take into consideration your parents' income. Any of your schooling paid for by your grandparents in 2011 should be reported as "money paid on your behalf" on the 2012-13 FAFSA. If your parents' income disqualifies you for need-based federal student aid (such as the Pell Grant and Subsidized Direct Loan), you would still be eligible for non need-based aid, such as the Unsubsidized Direct Loan. I recommend this resource to get started. http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/attachments/siteresources/12-13_Guide.pdf You may also be able to qualify for merit-based scholarships. Speaking with the Financial Aid Office would be a good start.