Today, I received this disturbing inquiry from one of our non-profit partners and wanted to post the question to help and inform other NPOs, individuals, or organizations who might find themselves in a similar situation. I’ve changed all names to ensure the anonymity of the student and organization.
I am working with an 18 year old young woman who had graduated high school but was unable to attend college this past fall. She was accepted into St. Curves College but had to withdraw from classes because her mother refused to provide financial information necessary for receiving federal/state financial aid. I spoke with the student and attempted to contact her mother on several occasions.
Please post any advice, information, links or other resources you may have that would assist this student and this organization.
My research for “emancipated minor” returned the following from www.thesalliemaefund.org
The status of “emancipated minor” is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for financial aid purposes. To be considered an independent student at least one of the following must apply:
- You are married on the day you apply (even if you are separated but not divorced);
- You have children who receive more than half their support from you;
- You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you and will continue to receive more than half their support from you through June 30, 2010;
- You are an orphan or ward of the court (or were a ward of the court until age 18)or both your parents are deceased;
- You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (“veteran” includes students who attended a U.S. service academy and were released under a condition other than dishonorable).
I’ve also found this fairly detailed link from www.finaid.org, which seems to indicate that you are stuck if your parents won’t file, but let’s hope that’s not the case.