Parents are divorced. Whose info goes on the FAFSA now?
I live with my mom about 4 days a week and with my dad the rest. My dad makes a lot more and pays for most of my stuff (phone, car insurance, school things). My mom remarried last year.
I thought it was just whoever you live with, but my friend said that changed? Also does my stepdad's income count? I'm trying to get this done before my parents start fighting about it.
My dad already said "just put your mom, her income is lower" and my mom said that's not how it works. I'd rather do it right than redo it later.
- ?
It did change. Since the FAFSA overhaul (starting with the 2024-25 form), the parent who provides the FAFSA information is the one who gave you more financial support over the past 12 months, not necessarily the one you live with more. If support was exactly equal, it is the parent with the higher income.
From what you describe, that sounds like your dad, but you and your parents should total up support honestly (housing, food, and other expenses count, not just the extras).
On the stepparent: if the parent who provides the information is married, the spouse's information is included. So if your dad has not remarried, your stepdad does not go on the FAFSA. If your mom ended up being the contributor, your stepdad would.
Two more things:
1. The CSS Profile, which many private colleges require, often asks for the other parent's information too (a noncustodial parent profile). Check each school.
2. Each school's financial aid office can confirm how they read your situation. Ask early.Studentaid.gov has a short questionnaire on which parent to include. Ten minutes and it settles the argument with official language.