Yes Mommdc you summed it up! Trading the ex-wife’s income for the parents for both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 FAFSA. It seems pretty clear that for the 2017-18 FAFSA his status will change to dependent with our income included. I’m worried that the Spring 2017 award will not change if our income is required. Appealing the award with only his 2015 income is straightforward and we have the IRS transcript. What’s troubling is that his status would change mid-year to dependent with parent’s income factored in. It wouldn’t be so painful if one of us wasn’t underemployed. Assuming more debt or taking on more parent loans is not an option. There are two older siblings out of college.
When the 2015-2016 FAFSA was submitted in mid-2015, they were married and 2014 joint income was reported. Their 2014 income was significantly lower than their 2015 AGI when she got a new job and he worked full-time for a few months. The 2015-16 EFC was $3831 and he qualified for Pell and subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The 2016-17 EFC shot up to $17,158. Is there any chance his independent status can remain unchanged until the 2017-18 FAFSA Is there a firm guideline as to how his status is affected or is it at discretion of the Fin Aid office?