<p>I have raised a child of a friend since age 6-his father died several years ago and student recieves social security from deceased father, only income. Bio mother wants to claim child next year in taxes as her income is very low (8,000) and he has better chance than with me since I make more money than her and the student will not get any financial help. In the past she allowed me to claim him in taxes as I was more active with student but now she wants to do it as the student will go to 12th grade and is looking for colleges soon. Should she do it? any difficulty since I have claimed him in the past? I will not claim him this incoming year. Please advise…</p>
<p>For FAFSA it doesn’t matter who claims the kid on their taxes. FAFSA would count the mother’s income only if the student actually lives with her. </p>
<p>Do you have legal guardianship over the child? If so, he may qualify for an automatic 0 EFC, meaning he would be eligible for a Pell Grant and possibly state grants.
I don’t believe your income would be counted in any case as you are not the child’s parent or step parent.</p>