Question: We have several applications for students who have answered on the FAFSA that they are homeless. Is there some type of paperwork we should get from the student's school or homeless shelters as proof? Or should we simply take the student's answer? We don't want to deny any student aid, especially if they are truly homeless and yet there are some who would answer yes to that question to get aid. Thanks for your help.
Answer: The Department of Education (ED) has clearly stated that schools are not required to verify a student's answer to dependency status questions #58-60 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) unless it has conflicting information.
Consequently, ED has not prescribed documentation for determining whether or not a student meets the criteria outlined by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) for unaccompanied homeless youth. However, if the school finds conflicting information regarding a student's homeless status, appropriate documentation to resolve the conflicting information may consist of a statement from the student's school district homeless liaison or the director or designee of an emergency shelter program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The director (or designee) of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program can determine this as well, plus whether a student is independent because she is an unaccompanied youth who is self-supporting and at risk of being homeless. If such documentation is not available, the determination of a student's homeless condition may be based on a documented interview with the student.
References: CCRAA and 2009-10 FSA Handbook, p. AVG-28.
For more information about how foster youth/homeless applicants should answer the dependency status questions, please see the Foster Youth and Wards of the Court: Tips for Completing the FAFSA published on this topic in March, 2009.
If you have a regulatory question for NASFAA, submit your questions to AskRegs. When researching answers, NASFAA does not share identifiable institutional information with the Department unless authorized by the school. AskRegs responses represent NASFAA's understanding and while NASFAA believes that this response is accurate and factual, it has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). If you should need written confirmation for audit or program review purposes, please contact your ED Secretary's Regional Representative (SRR) or ED School Participation Team representative for additional guidance in this regard.
Posted 08/26/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited. Please submit Web site questions or comments to Web@NASFAA.org.
