FAFSA: Claiming my sister as a dependent.

cptofthehouse
Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:10:33 +0000

Claiming your sister as a dependent is not likely to help her much since the support you give will have to be reported on her FAFSA, on top of whatever the parent who makes the most money earns, and his/her financials. I remember a case of that sort that was really messy. She would have been better off had she not been declared a dependent by her brother with his financial support not put into the picture, since the mom’s financial made her PELL eligible. Do check out these things.

Though your EFC and your wifes’ would be slightly smaller due to a dependent, it doesn’t look like it is something that is going to make a bit of difference for you, as you are not Pell eligible, nor have you mentioned aid possibilities from your college. You are entitled to the $9500 Stafford regardless of need. Adding your sister as a dependent does nothing for you.

Do the numbers and see if it means less money for your sister with this change.