<p>Our financial picture looks pretty rosy regarding sending our child to a private liberal arts college next fall (ie. it looks like we don’t need aid), however it does not account for a disabled sibling, 2 years older, who will need our financial support for a lifetime. I cannot figure out where to account for this on the CSS Profile. Any advice?</p>
<p>When I filled out the PROFILE ( hard copy), it did seem there was a space to allow for extraordinary expenses for other dependents, in our case it didnt seem to change the EFC, but that would depend on the school.</p>
<p>The fact that you currently support that child is noted that he’s a dependent in your household. If the child has high medical expenses that aren’t covered by insurance then that can be noted in the allowed space. You will be expected to show evidence of those uninsured expenses. Those expenses will not reduce your EFC dollar for dollar…much less than that.</p>
<p>Does this child receive any kind of gov’t aid for being disabled? If so, that may negate your claim for a special circumstance. Some disabled children/young adults receive over $1000 a month in disability payments. If your child is receiving payments, then that will get considered. </p>
<p>I don’t think the fact that you’ll be caring for this child for the rest of his life makes a difference on CSS…only any current monetary expenses - not covered by insurance or disability payments. Again, there won’t be a dollar for dollar reduction, nor will feeding/clothing him get special consideration since that comes under counting him in the household as a dependent. </p>
<p>You may find that even with some minor consideration, you will still be expected to pay all or nearly all of your other child’s college costs. If that’s not possible, then hopefully that child has applied to some financial safety schools…ones that you’re certain that you can afford because of lower cost or assured merit scholarships.</p>