<p>I applied ED, after my dad being unemployed for 4 years, just now getting a slightly over median income job (60K or so) with my mom on social security disability. It’s a stretch, but I knew I wanted to go there, and I know the money would be close enough to pull off. I think the only reason ED could hurt people financially is if they don’t have an honest discussion about what they can afford, what they will get, and what the child is willing to do.</p>