Emancipation
- If I am emancipated can I get financial aid for college without having
my parent's income considered?
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Question
Hello, I have a question if you don't mind. I am a 19 year
old attending a university in Michigan. I have been supporting myself
since I was 16; yet, I have never been emancipated. It was never
a legal issue until now. I have found myself unable to obtain financial
aid due to my parents’ income. From reading your site I have discovered
that I am no longer eligible for emancipation. Yet, without parental support
it has become increasingly difficult to continue my education. Considering
this, are there any other options for me?
Answer
You are legally emancipated because you are now 18. Unfortunately,
emancipation has very little to do with the requirements imposed by a university
for financial aid. Almost all schools must consider the incomes of
the parents until the student reaches the age of 24 when considering eligibility
for financial aid for the student. This is how the federal government
calculates need, and loans are governed by the federal requirements.
You should contact the financial aid office at your university for advice
about their qualifications. Sometimes they may be able to provide
some aid other than loans for a person in your circumstances. In
any event, they are the experts in this area and the ones to ask.
05/2000
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Last Updated 5-18-00
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014
or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov