As an independent student, she does not get full tap even if she attends full time (her max tap is $3500) and she must make under 10K/year (as a single no dependent person).
While she is independent for Federal aid, she maynot be independent for state aid (age for independent students for NYS state aid is 35)
STUDENT STATUS REQUIREMENTS FOR INDEPENDENT STATUS
Married The applicant must be married on or before December 31st of the calendar year prior to the beginning of the academic year for which application is made.
35 years of age or older The applicant has reached the age of 35 on or before June 30th prior to the academic year for which application is made.
22 years of age or older The applicant is an undergraduate student who has reached the age of 22 on or before June 30th prior to academic year for which application is made AND who meets the basic conditions.
Under the age of 22 The applicant is an undergraduate student who is not 22 years of age on or before July 1st of the academic year for which application is made AND who satisfies both the basic conditions and one of the special conditions.
Military Service The applicant was enlisted in full time active military service, was honorably discharged from such service, and has not and will not be claimed as a dependent by either parent for purposes of either federal or state income tax. Applicant must provide a copy of their DD214 showing an honorable discharge.
NYS Higher Education Services Corporation - TAP FAQs
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If you give her more than $750 in money/gifts/housing, she must put it on her tap application (and she would not be considered independent)