[Nancy]

Fafsa is filled out by the parent they live with/provides the most. Not attached to tax filing status So if they’ll stay with you during non-school.

You can do the next Fafsa

[Elena]

You need to claim the kids as HoH. For your own tax benefits.
When you file FAFSA, you use your income alone. Your low income will more than likely qualify the kids for at least a Pell Grant.

FAFSA doesn’t care who claims the children. The parent who supported the child(ren) the most financially over the course of 12 months is the one to fill it out. Nothing else matters.

Keep in mind, that it’s not always the higher earner who supports the student the most financially.

CSS is also not required by every college.
If you let him claim all three kids, You’re losing a big tax break by not claiming as a HoH. For you, it’ll be a tax return.

For him, claiming the kids means he will owe the smallest amount possible.

Do not let him talk you into allowing him to claim them all. You’ll lose more in the end.

With that little income it can be up to about $7K depending on your deductible and number of dependents.

Btw, one needs to have a dependent on order to file as a HoH.
I have one in college and one going in a few years.

My situation is similar to yours. Incl income. I claim the kids because in my state the custodial parent gets the right to do this w/o needing to alternate unless wanted.

I also solely support my oldest in college. My oldest benefits grately from the scholarships and grants they receive due to my limited income.

My advice to you is because I’ve lived and am living it. My finances will be different when the youngest goes and that will impact the aid for sure.

[Scott]

Tax wise he will get a greater benefit claiming the kids due to his income.

[Author]

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