CTScoutmom

Has anyone else run into this issue?

We are completing the CSS profile for oldest D. One of the questions is about free or reduced price lunch. We do not qualify under the means test for free or reduced lunch, but youngest D's magnet school (not in our town, but nearby city), provides universal free lunch.

I would assume the question is intended as a measure of whether someone in the family qualifies under a means test, in which case I would be inclined to answer "no," but the honest answer is "yes." The free lunch is provided by the city, so it is not a federal program, but the question doesn't mention the word federal, nor ask about qualification.

bschooltotech

You are correct that the question is used as a qualifier for several different programs. The intent of the question is to determine if you have already been determine to qualified for a means tested program and you should answer it as such. Otherwise you will likely get a call from your FAA. Of course you could always call them first and ask.

OHMomof2

I'd say they want to know if you qualify for the federal program, whether they explicitly say that or not. Why would a college care what free meals a city/school chooses to provide to all students?

2collegewego

The question *does* include the word "federal." It is not whether someone gave you a free lunch; it's whether or not anyone in the household received federal free/ reduced price lunch during the two year look-back.

Here is the paper FAFSA. The question is after question 73 and applies to questions 74-78.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1213/pdf/PdfFafsa12-13.pdf

In 2010 or 2011, did you, your parents or anyone in your parents’ household (from question 72) receive benefits from any of the federal programs listed?

74. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
75. Food Stamps
76. Free or Reduced Price Lunch
77. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
78. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

soxfan99

In the "Guide to Filling Out the CSS Profile" on the CollegeBard's site it is clear on this as it indicates "did you receive benefits from any of the following federal benefits programs..." They only want you to answer yes to this if the benefit was through the federal program.

teachandmom

OP, you know you are looking through a loophole, but what does your gut tell you is the right answer for your situation. You already knew before you asked...

thumper1

To the OP, if your income on the Profile exceeds the amount that is the threshold for free/reduced federally funded lunch, then it will be painfully obvious to the financial aid officer that you filled this out in error.

sybbie719

I agree with teachandmom about trying to play fast an loose and your application would raise a red flag to me. If you are willing to be less than truthful about something that it so obvious, what else could you be less than truthful in reporting.

emeraldkity4

We do not qualify under the means test for free or reduced lunch, but.....?

Well, there you go- i think you already knew the answer.

swimcatsmom

Seriously? My daughter's high school provided free lunch - and breakfast and supper (it was a residential State math/science school) for every student. It would never have crossed my mind that there was an issue about whether that counted as qualifying for free lunch.