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I told her that she needed to file one in order to qualify for some loans if she wanted them, and also in case someone loses their job and their circumstances change...you need to have that first FAFSA on file...I also told her that I thought she may need to have the FAFSA on file for some merit aid..."
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The loans part is correct. I have read on CC about FAFSA for merit aid, which begs the question what does a family's financial means have to do with merit. I've also read on CC the idea that if you don't file the first year you can't file in subsequent years. Neither of these FAFSA rules exist at my son's school, or at the schools my friends' kids attend. I'm sure it is the rule at some schools, but they may be a small minority, so I would have your friend check with her kid's school. I would only file if it were required for a reason acceptable to me, because I protect my family's financial information as much as possible.