<p>There are a lot of niches in rules that are unfair, benefiting some folks and penalizing others for no reason, Butterfly. You do know that you pay less in taxes as live in partners than you do when you get married. It can make a very big difference if you split the income in the most advantageous way. </p>
<p>As for the FAFSA, kids whose parents are separated can do much better since only the custodial parent’s income is taken into account. If mom is living with a guy and is your custodial parent, and she has a small income, you will do better than if she marries the guy, because then his income part of what has to be reported for FAFSA whether he is going to give you a dime for college. </p>
<p>However, child support, alimony, and other money given for living expenses is supposed to included in FAFSA. If you are living with someone who is paying your bills and providing support for your child, that amount includible as FAFSA income.</p>