Unemployment & CSS Profile for sophomore year

moregrayhair
Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:48:47 +0000

I filled out FAFSA, and am working on the CSS Profile. I’m looking specifically at the “2020 projected income” on the CSS. Income for my husband will likely be the same.

Because of medical issues, I had to leave my job in late Jan 2020. I’m receiving unemployment which runs out in a week unless my state extends it. Because of medical issues, I’m high risk, so working outside the home during the covid19 pandemic is off the table - though I’ve been looking for something I can do from home. No luck yet.

I’m assuming unemployment for 2020 goes in the “other taxable income” box? Is an estimate ok or do I need a more exact figure? I assume I include any stimulus money received as well? And is this the taxable amount they want or the net deposited?

CSS does also ask about 2021, and I will obviously not be receiving unemployment - it’s hard to know what will happen with the pandemic, and it’s likely I will not be able to work outside the home for a while until things settle down. I was thinking this should all be explained in the special circumstances are of the CSS?

My hope is that I make it through this winter. The amount I made ($10-12K/yr) and the unemployment (prob about the same including stimulus) is not that much anyways and I’m probably spending too much time worrying about it?!

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.