collegemama

Do we need to file again for my daughter's sophomore year?
We did not qualify last year and will not again this year due to income, but have our own business and there has been no business in last few months and next year is looking grim.
So we probably will need the stafford loan at the very least.

Thanks,

swimcatsmom

You will have to file 2009-2010 FAFSA to be able to get the Stafford loan for the 2009-2010 school year.

You may want to file both CSS and FAFSA so that if there is more of a downturn in your circumstances you are in a position to appeal for aid. But you do at the very least need to file FAFSA to make your daughter eligible for the Stafford loans.

thumper1

You need to check your child's school. At our daughter's school, freshmen fill out both the FAFSA and the Profile. Returning students only do the FAFSA. At DS's school, students only did the FAFSA unless their financial situation was changing (we did it again when DD enrolled in college and we had two in college at the same time). You need to see what your D's school policy is regarding which forms. As Swimcats noted, the FAFSA is needed if you want to receive Stafford loans.

kelsmom

You will almost surely qualify for unsubsidized Stafford loans even if your current income still seems like it might be too high. The unsub Stafford is not based on Expected Family Contribution. Instead, you take Cost of Attendance - any aid awarded (grants, scholarships). The difference is your eligibility for unsub Stafford. Your D can borrow up to $6500 as a sophomore, and $7500 as a junior. If you need this for this year (2nd semester), file a 2008-09 FAFSA.