These poor kids are up against a lot trying to go to school if what you’re saying is true and they can’t get need based income unless their parents are employed, this system is pretty broken.
If they’re considering the step parents income and the actual parent makes nothing and they say you get zero aid, they are obviously saying the step parents must pay for their stepkids college.
I’m not looking for answers, like I said we don’t even try to get ANY aid, I’m just commiserating with the OP and if anyone else finds this thread, don’t get legally married until the kids are out of college 