FAFSA Denial Due to Parent’s Incarceration – What Can I Do?
I completed the FAFSA at the end of June, but I still haven’t received any financial aid. My brother went through the same thing two years ago—he didn’t get anything from FAFSA and didn’t qualify for federal loans either. Our mom is a nurse with a decent income, but I don’t think it’s too high for us to miss out on financial aid altogether.
When I asked my mom about it, she said the issue is related to my father’s incarceration. My parents are still legally married but live apart due to my dad’s probation. He doesn’t contribute financially to our household, but since they’re married, my mom believes that’s why neither my brother nor I qualify for aid. My brother ended up with a Sallie Mae loan, and I really want to avoid that.
Is there anything I can do to at least qualify for a federal loan? Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated!