Homeless youth status on the FAFSA
How the FAFSA treats students without stable housing, who can confirm your situation, and what to bring to the aid office.
Students on their own
For students who are homeless, in or leaving foster care, or cut off from their parents: independent status, vouchers and waivers, housing over breaks and the papers you need.
Usually decides: Your school's financial aid office and its homeless and foster youth liaison
Education and Training Vouchers for foster youth
Chafee Education and Training Vouchers help current and former foster youth with college costs. Here is how to apply in your state.
Tuition waivers for students who were in foster care
Several states waive tuition at public colleges for students who were in foster care. The rules differ, so here is what to ask.
Where to stay when the dorms close
Winter break and summer can close the residence halls. Plan where you will sleep and eat well before the last exam of the term.
When a parent will not help with the FAFSA
A parent who refuses to give information can stall the FAFSA. Here is how overrides work and what to ask the aid office.
Finding someone in your corner
Without family to call, it helps to know who on campus can answer questions, sign forms and notice when something goes wrong.
Getting your birth certificate, ID and Social Security card
Aid offices, employers and benefit programs ask for ID. Here is where to replace a birth certificate, Social Security card and state ID.
Health coverage when you are on your own
Medicaid for former foster youth, Medicaid by income, student health plans and the marketplace, explained for students on their own.
A budget with no family safety net
Without family to cover a late refund or a broken phone, a budget has to plan for gaps. Build yours around the dates money arrives.
Renewing homeless youth status each year
Homeless youth status is decided again for each award year. Here is what to gather, when to start and what can change the answer.
Aging out of foster care while in college
Leaving care while enrolled can change your housing, money and support mid-term. Here is what to ask before your case closes.
Food over long breaks when the dining hall closes
When the dining hall closes for winter or summer, a few steps planned early keep you fed until classes start again.
Opening a bank account on your own
An account of your own keeps refunds and paychecks safe. Here is what banks ask for and how to keep fees low.
A phone number and mailing address for official mail
Aid notices and benefit letters need an address and a phone number that stay the same. Here is how to keep both steady.