What financial aid can I receive?

TheCaliforniaLife · 01-23-2007, 11:46 AM

-I am 19 years old
-I am living with my Mom and sister until I transfer from my community college to a university; probably UCLA
-My Dad passed away last year
-My Mom has hardly no income
-The life insurance is paying for the bills
-My Grandfather pays the mortgage
-I'm in my schools honors program
-I'm going to join Phi Theta Kappa next semester

What are all the different financial aid options I have? I have heard of FAFSA, CAL grants, Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver. Which financial aid options am I able to apply for?

somemom · 01-23-2007, 12:03 PM

You will need to fill out a FAFSA and maybe a CSS Profile, depending on what the schools require. A Cal grant may be available, also a Pell grant, based on income, HOWEVER, "the life insurance" could be an issue- if there is a large lump sum, then you may have problems with that being an asset that does not allow you to qualify for aid.

There is one method, people with income under $50k who are eligible to file a 1040EZ may have their assets exempt.

swimcatsmom · 01-23-2007, 12:13 PM

Californialife - FAFSA is not financial aid - it is a form you fill out with your financial information and submit and it produces a number called an EFC (estinated family contribution) which is what all aid (federal, state and school) is based on. You fill out the form and send it to the schools you are applying to and they tell you what aid you are eligible for. Without completing FAFSA you will get no AID so it is very important to complete it by the deadline of your school.

TheCaliforniaLife · 01-23-2007, 12:20 PM

I forgot to ask this -- Do I need complete this years taxes to apply for FAFSA; meaning do they need this years tax information or just last years? Also, when is it too late to apply for financial aid? I already paid for this semesters books and classes with my check from work. I usually make $190 a week. I want to quit my work so I can focus all my energy on school. This is why I am trying to apply for these grants.

Jugulator20 · 01-23-2007, 05:45 PM

If you are applying to UCLA (or any other UC), you must file FAFSA by March 2. The UC