<p>I'm in a predicament with financial aid and EFC. Next fall, my brother and I will attend UCs (he'll be a freshman, I'll be a junior transfer.) Despite what federal formulas say, our parents' 50 grand doesn't leave them with money to spare, and in filling out FAFSA for next year, there is no way to show that there will be TWO of us attending universities next year... I know this is everyone else's situation too, but here's the twist: Our father was diagnosed with cancer during this fiscal year, costing us approximately 30 THOUSAND in out of pocket expenses (yes, after insurance.) But this is not reflected by last years tax documents, which determine financial need. As we approach the new year, he is not able to work, has no paid leave left, but remains nominally "employed." In Jan of Feb, right after the new deductable begins for the insurance policy, he is scheduled to have another surgery (will cost around the same amount= similar surgery and treatment costs + NEW costs because the deductable started over... all of this on top of six-figure debt from a business they owned that went under five years ago.) After he recovers, he will probably be able to avoid disability retirement and return to work. This means that when I list projected 2004 and 2005 income, I'll still have to list an earned income similar to his income from last year.</p>
<p>It's really quite confusing, but my parents' medical debt alone more than halves their earned income. There was no way for me to record this on the FAFSA or FinAid profiles, or on fee waivers I've applied and been denied for. Will any of this factor in to financial aid decisions for me or my brother as we begin at new schools? Do you think there is ANY way for us to recieve fee waivers for apps for any schools? Where do we begin to find out about this process? I've searched and read all the literature available, but found no answers.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>