CSS Profile for Foster Child

sybbie719
Wed, 17 Jul 2013 17:54:28 +0000

Keep in mind the institutional aid and the CSS profile is not looked at the same way as the FAFSA, where a student in foster care is independent.

While a foster child is considered independent on the FAFSA using the federal methodology, they are not necessarily independent when it comes to institutional aid (especially on the profile)

the college board states:



colloge board pg 63:



** Q: How do I know if I am a dependent or an independent student?**

** A: A student is considered independent, for financial aid consideration, if he or she can answer “Yes” to at least one of the following questions:


Is the student 24 years old or older?
Is the student married?
Is the student enrolled in a graduate or professional school program?
Does the student have dependents other than a spouse?
Is the student an orphan or ward of the court?
Is the student a U.S. military veteran?


If not, the student is considered dependent.

Financial aid eligibility is, in part, determined by a student’s dependency status.

Independent students are treated differently from students who are dependent on their parents. However, some colleges and programs require parental information even if the student is considered independent based on the criteria above. Questions regarding a college’s application policy should be directed to that college’s financial aid office.**

https://finaidonline.collegeboard.com/fin/VignetteServlet/VignetteServlet.srv?relativePath=/profile/pdfs/profile_faqs_glossary.pdf



If this is your foster child, you may have to include your income/assets.

the college board states (pg 39):



**Q: I have legal guardianship of a student who is applying for financial aid. The Parent Sections are quite confusing for me to complete since these all apply to her parents. The student has very little contact with her father. I need to know what information to provide to complete this application for her. **

answer

A: Provide your financial information in the Parent Sections if you are the student’s legal guardian and are in a legal relationship that will continue after June 30, 2014. Also explain this situation in Section ES and, if there is not enough space, explain the details in a letter sent to each college, university, or program receiving the PROFILE
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