Hi, all. I’m currently scrambling to fill out my CSS profile and I need clarification on a couple of things. I’ve looked at many (sometimes conflicting) sources on this issue and I can’t wrap my head around it.
My biological mom abandoned me when I was less than a month old. My father and I have had absolutely 0 contact with her since then. She hasn’t even paid child support. We have tried to contact her in the last month, and we can’t even find where she lives now. For all intents and purposes, she is not a part of my life in any way.
My dad has been married to my stepmom for the last eight or so years, and they have been separated for the last few months. My stepmom has told me in no uncertain terms that she won’t be providing for my college education, and that she wants very little to do with the remainder of my life. Despite this, I consider her to be my mother, and she is Parent 2 on my Common App. (Additional Information clarifies that she is not bio mom)
Here lies my issue. My stepmom refuses to cooperate with my dad on pulling the information together required to fill out the CSS profile. Since she makes a lot less than my dad, this is more inconvenient than anything else. It’s not like she’s going to inflate the income all that much. Which of the following courses of action would be best for me to take?
- Dad guesstimates stepmom's numbers and they "jointly" fill out CSS, request non-custodial waiver for bio mom
- Dad fills out CSS independently, stepmom fills out non-custodial profile, non-factor bio mom addressed in clarification (what I'm currently leaning toward)
- Dad fills out CSS independently, stepmom fills out non-custodial, bio mom not even mentioned (would be easiest since we wouldn't have to try to find my dad's attorney from all the way back in 1999 and also don't have to worry about missing a deadline because of a school's waiver processing time, but my dad is very concerned that I could get in trouble/become ineligible for aid if it is learned that this was omitted)
I’d really appreciate the help. This CSS situation has been a nightmare and it’s reached the point where I’m terrified that a mistake like forgetting about my biological mom (whose last name we don’t even know anymore) could potentially keep me from attending a private university. My dad can’t afford to pay for my education without institution need-based aid and it would kill him if his unfortunate and confusing personal life kept me from going to my dream school.
You need to contact your schools and ask how to handle this.
Many schools do not expect you to provide the info of a step-parent if the marriage is over and the step-parent is now living elsewhere. But ask.
I highly doubt that your stepmom would be asked/expected to fill out NCP. NCP is for BIO parents, not step parents.
And you don’t provide her info on FAFSA either…only your dad’s
You need to get a waiver for your bio mom if NCP info is needed.
Sorry to hear that your step-mom is cutting you out of her life. Very sad that she doesn’t realize that she is the only mom you’ve ever known. {{ hugs }}
I think this is the way it will/should go…
Dad fills out FAFSA with only his info.
Dad fills out CSS Profile with only his info (and provides documentation that his wife/your stepmom lives elsewhere)
You request a waiver for NCP Bio mom. Be prepared to provide some evidence that she’s never been in your life.
Take your stepmom off of your common app. She doesn’t belong there now that she’s not in your household and the marriage is over.
If you live with your dad and step mom, you will need to put BOTH of THEIR incomes and assets on the FAFSA and Profile.
If your parents are really separated, and can prove that…you would put ONLY your dad on both forms.
Since you have no contact with your mom, you will need to apply for a non-custodial parent Profile waiver from EACH college to which you apply.
@mom2collegekids Thanks so much for the response. I’ll be sure to do that. My only concern at this point is that I won’t be able to get all of these waivers and clarifications by the 15th, but I guess I’ll have to make it work. Again, the help is much appreciated.
Just get the process started. That is what matters. Many places won’t worry that you miss a specific due date if the paperwork is in process.
Did your dad and step-mom file a joint tax return in 2015? Do they have joint assets? I am wondering how this will affect the Fafsa and CSS. When a couple is/has been divorced for at least two years, their finances are disentangled, so not an issue for these forms. For this couple, the documentation likely is joint. @mom2collegekids
@brantly
If the couple is indeed separated or divorced, they would report only their share of the income and assets. If they filed jointly, they will likely get selected for verification as the tax return will not match the info on the financial aid forms.
In these cases, the schools will need clear documentation of the separation/divorce (separate leases or mortgages, for example). They also could request W-2 forms to document income.
@thumper1 Makes sense. Thanks. Many states don’t have “legal” separation, so the schools would just have to take their word for it. I can see that the assets could be a complication in this situation.
Sounds like stepmom has a new address. Provide that info. If divorce has been filed, then maybe that will be enough since this isn’t your bio mom.
As for your waiver, certainly someone (3rd party trustworthy) can vouch that your bio mom hasn’t been in the picture. A teacher? Minister? Rabbi? Priest? Doctor?
BTW…for FAFSA, even if the stepmom hasn’t moved out, if the couple is separated, her income is not used. Don’t know if that is the same for CSS.
If your mom has not been involved in your life…for a LONG time…your school records should reflect that. Schools are required to provide info to bio parents if they have contact info for,them. If your mom has never been part of that, your school might be a help in providing documentation for the non-custodial parent waiver.
Great point!!
I was thinking that the pediatrician might also be able to document since mom left before the child was 1 month old.
@Bozusaki I read a couple of your threads and it appears that your parents (dad and stepmom) own a business? Or is that just your dad’s? Either way, the CSS schools may be rough with that.
Make sure you have a few financial safeties (not just schools that will accept you, but schools that you will FOR SURE get enough aid (merit or need) to afford college.
@mom2collegekids Yes, my dad currently owns half of what used to be the family business. We’re aware that this (plus the divorce) could majorly affect financial aid chances, and we are sort of prepared for that. I just want to make sure that we can be considered for that aid to begin with, you know?
I also do have several in-state, public universities that I can go to if things pan out poorly. I also have test scores that I think could entitle me to full tuition at certain out-of-state public universities, too. Definitely hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.