| >>But, my question is, because he doesn't help pay for my college is there any way around this situation? >>
If your parents are married, your step dad becomes part of your family. It's an expected FAMILY contribution. There is no way around it...if your parents are married at the time you file your FAFSA, you are required to put his income and assets on the form as well as your mom's. The way she files taxes makes NO difference whatsoever.
If you have only been filing the FAFSA for financial aid, and have never completed a CSS Profile form, your school is a "FAFSA only" school. That means it uses only information on the FAFSA to determine how it will award financial aid (unless they also have a school form...you would need to check that).
The FAFSA will give an EFC. With regard to any federal money awarded for financial aid (Pell grants, for example), yes...the FAFSA overrules what the college may or may not want to do. These are federal monies and they are based on your EFC from the FAFSA.
Now...having said all of that...run the numbers.
Your mom's lower income may also have made you eligible for the simplified needs test whereby you don't report your assets at all. This could change also if you income exceeds a certain amount.
You could also have a discussion with the financial aid folks.Perhaps some or most of your financial aid award is merit based. Or they can work with you. |