Why would my EFC go from 403 to 658?

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Okay, this may get confusing. My EFC was 403 when I first filled out my FAFSA online. The school got the info that it was that as well. We then realized that I made a mistake and had put down that there were five family members and I didn't put that I provided half the support for the kids. When I went and changed that, my EFC went up to 658. Why would that be when I am not working, etc? Shouldn't it have gone down, if anything? How much will this affect my grants and loans if at all?

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I would still think you would qualify for grants/loans. What about checking with your school. BTW my EFC is $33,000!

I'm sure I still qualify but I wonder if it's for the same amount? I don't really understand the whole thing but I still don't get why it would go UP under these circumstances. I am going there tomorrow to pay my summer bill so I'll stop in at financial aid, but I was hoping to get some insight from those in the know here! LOL!

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Sorry - but someone else with more expertise will be along shortly! Have a nice day!

From what I know, EFC= estimated family contribution. At first, you were estimated to be responsible for 403. But, when you corrected your information, and now considered to provide half the support of five members, your EFC number went up to 658, only meaning you are responsible for more. At least that's how it works in MA. From there, they determine what your financial need is. If your EFC is 658, but a year of school costs $2,000, you're entitled to aid. As long as your EFC number is lower, then what your school considers, "what a year of school costs", you'll get aid. From what I know (helping my self and others),I wouldn't worry, you will definitely get aid. Unless, for some reason your school only costs 300 a yr., then you don't get aid. I hope I helped.

Daisy

THanks Daisy..I pretty much knew all that... My big thing is that I just don't get why it would go UP when I said that I have to provide half the support for my kids? It makes no sense...there is no more money coming in...so why would the EFC go up especially when I am not working? *sigh* I am just goign to have to go ask the school today.

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

CNM2B,

I'm probably misunderstanding this somehow, but I'm confused about the "providing half the support of the kids" when you've said you're not working. No income is no income, no matter how many kids there are. Is it your husband's income that has changed, and that's what affected your expected contribution? Or were you planning to work while going to school, and indicated that on the form?

"Support" as I understand it is monetary contribution to the kids living expenses. If you're not working then I don't understand the reason for the change on the form. If there is no change in total household income, assets or number of family members, I don't see how the EFC can change.

They told me at the financial aid office that the application would come up with an error if I didn't say that I support the kids, even though I'm not working. So, I went and adjusted that.

I don't understand ANY of it! LOL!

I went there this morning and the lady told me emphatically that I should not change a darn thing and that my award letter should be here today or tomorrow. I'm guessing that's good news then! LOL!

Thanks guys. This is all so foreign to me......and really it can stay that way as long as someone explains to me what to do!

Even if your EFC changes from 403 to 658, the amount of difference in aid is very small, if any. I don't have the breakdown in front of me, but for Pell grants, RANGES of ECFs are used to determine award.

For example...

ECF 100-200 grant = 4000

ECF 201-300 grant = 3950

ECF 301-400 grant = 3900

etc...

(NOT anywhere near the correct #'s...just an example.)

I doubt there is any real difference in the award in your case......

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