I'm sure I'm just spinning my wheels, but I am getting really frustrated with the FAFSA worksheets.
Even though my preliminary trial runs through the FINAID calculator at FINAID.ORG reflects that our EFC exceeds the COA at the school she will be attending in Spring 2009, I still want to be able to provide the proper information on the application. I realize it isn't much ... but she's gonna need that $5500 unsubsidized Stafford loan.
I've called FAFSA several times today with various questions and have been just as frustrated after he phone calls as before.
When I ran the FINAID calculator, and it shows the logic behind the results it provides (unlike the FAFSA4caster.) It appears that on Worksheet B, when we reported amounts that we paid on behalf of our daughter last year, for the item that says "money received or paid on your behalf not reported elsewhere on this form" ... that amount was added to her income as "untaxed" income prior to calculating her expected contribution. 50% of her earnings while she was working and going to school and paying the majority of her personal expenses other than tuition and books?
However, I don't see where we are allowed to have that amount we contributed to her educational expenses deducted from our own income before our contribution is calculated.
Am I overlooking something? That amount we paid on her "behalf" seems to be used in both her income and ours.
