College Goal Wisconsin

Under the federal definition, an independent student is one who meets at least one of the following conditions:

• Is 24 years old (born before January 1, 1988, for academic year 2011-12)
• Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Is an orphan (parents deceased) or a ward of the court (or was a ward of the court until age 18)
• Has legal dependents other than a spouse
• Is married
• Is a graduate or a professional student

• When is College Goal Wisconsin?
• Where is College Goal Wisconsin?
• Who should attend?
• What if I'm not sure whether or not I am going to college?
• How long does College Goal Wisconsin last?
• What if my parents can't come?
• What if I can't go, but my parents can?
• Will anyone see my personal information, such as family income?
• Will there be an interpreter available?
• Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
• What is the FAFSA?
• Do I have to complete my 2011 tax return before I submit my FAFSA?
• Am I eligible for financial aid?
• Can my parents and I fill out the FAFSA online?
• What is a FAFSA PIN number and how do I get one?
• My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent fills out the FAFSA?
• What if I don't have a Social Security number or don't want to report it on the form?
• When is a student independent?
• My foster parents get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare benefits for me because I am a ward of the court. Is this my income? (Paper FAFSA: Worksheet A, question #40; online FAFSA: Section 6)
• A family member gets Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare benefits for me because I am a ward of the court. Is this my income? (Paper FAFSA: Worksheet A, question #40; online FAFSA: Section 6)
• I am a single parent with one child and will get free day care for my child (from family member or free day care center) while I go to college. Does this “free” income have to be reported on the FAFSA? (Paper FAFSA: Worksheet B, question #41; online FAFSA: Section 6)
• I have a child who will be living with me, and my income will be from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Do I answer “yes” to Question #51? Are TANF or welfare benefits considered to be like earned income? (Paper FAFSA: Question 51; online FAFSA: Section 2)
• I am a ward of the court but graduated from high school and then went to live with my parent for two months. Did I lose my independent status? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
• I am a dependent child of the court of my county. Is this the same as a “ward” of the court? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
• I am no longer under the court because my foster parents took legal guardianship of me a few years ago. However, my foster parents do not support me with their own financial resources. They still get a foster care check each month for me. How do I answer question #53? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
• My parents died when I was very young. A family member or someone else is my court appointed, legal guardian. They have provided support for me all my life. How do I complete the FAFSA? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
• I turned 18 and graduated, so my court case was closed. My college is saying I am no longer an independent student because I’m no longer a ward of the court. Am I considered dependent or independent? (Paper FAFSA: Question 53; online FAFSA: Section 2)
• I live with my foster parents and their children. Are they my "family members?" (Paper FAFSA: Question 90; online FAFSA: Section 4)
• I have filled out this form as an independent student because I am a ward of the court. Do I need my father's and/or mother's signature(s)? I don't live with them, but I see them sometimes. (Paper FAFSA: Question 99; online FAFSA: Signatures)