Fee Assistance Program EXPLANATION

[0rgansm]

I do not have a copy of my 2016 1040 tax returns. So, I am required to type a "letter of explanation."

Can someone please explain to me what I include in this letter.

I have been financially disadvantaged the second I was born, and began working for my father in his business (for free) since high school to prevent us losing the house. Should I address hardships faced throughout my life, or simply state that I have worked for my father in the 2016 calendar year? (or something else....)

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[Typical Average Student]

The perception of being economically disadvantaged is subjective so try to provide as much documentation such as tax returns from prior years or your family's tax returns. Just saying that you were "financially disadvantaged the second you were born" doesn't serve enough justice.

 

[yaya97]

I also have some confusion on the Fee assistance. Do you know what they mean by Finincial aid award notification? Would a detailed breakdown of my school year payments suffice since it shows that I received scholarships and FAFSA?


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[Typical Average Student]

I also have some confusion on the Fee assistance. Do you know what they mean by Finincial aid award notification? Would a detailed breakdown of my school year payments suffice since it shows that I received scholarships and FAFSA?
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Whenever financial aid is distributed from your undergrad, you are usually given an email notifying that you've received a certain amount of money. That's the FAFSA award notification.

 

[0rgansm]

The perception of being economically disadvantaged is subjective so try to provide as much documentation such as tax returns from prior years or your family's tax returns. Just saying that you were "financially disadvantaged the second you were born" doesn't serve enough justice.

They will not accept additional documentation, unless listed on the "proof of income" sheet -- which is only required if none of the supporting documents are available.

My question is about the "Explanation," since I am only missing one supporting document. It's still not clear as to what I write in this explanation.

Any clarity would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WaveRace]

I do not have a copy of my 2016 1040 tax returns. So, I am required to type a "letter of explanation."

Can someone please explain to me what I include in this letter.

I have been financially disadvantaged the second I was born, and began working for my father in his business (for free) since high school to prevent us losing the house. Should I address hardships faced throughout my life, or simply state that I have worked for my father in the 2016 calendar year? (or something else....)

I mean, they're asking you to explain why you don't have tax returns for this year. That's the standard way of proving that you have a qualifying low income. In your case, you don't have tax returns because you worked in support of your father's business without being paid. They are just asking you to explain that.

It's also worth noting that you're supposed to submit your parent's tax forms as well. It'll validate your explanation, too.

Anecdotal evidence here, but I have a friend who applied for this and was denied because he didn't give them any supporting documents. Unfortunate, but it does make sense. They need proof that people aren't clowning the system.


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[0rgansm]

I mean, they're asking you to explain why you don't have tax returns for this year. That's the standard way of proving that you have a qualifying low income. In your case, you don't have tax returns because you worked in support of your father's business without being paid. They are just asking you to explain that.

I guess this is the part that confuses me.

I can go on and on about how busy I was between school, studying for the DAT, working for my father, volunteering, etc. etc.. But is this really what they want me to type about? They do not want my transcripts, a letter validating my volunteer hours, or anything of that nature.

I can validate my parental income (note: I am dependent) and the grants I have received through financial aid. Should I just reiterate this in my explanation, since these are the only supporting forms I have? Or explain my the situation without concrete evidence?

 

[WaveRace]

I guess this is the part that confuses me.

I can go on and on about how busy I was between school, studying for the DAT, working for my father, volunteering, etc. etc.. But is this really what they want me to type about? They do not want my transcripts, a letter validating my volunteer hours, or anything of that nature.

I can validate my parental income (note: I am dependent) and the grants I have received through financial aid. Should I just reiterate this in my explanation, since these are the only supporting forms I have? Or explain my the situation without concrete evidence?

Perfect! You have everything you need. Be objective, not subjective, in the letter. They need concrete reasons.

"I was in school full-time at X University during the 2016-2017 school year, and was supported by the X financial-need based grant. It is given to students who are beneath the federal poverty level. I worked for my father's business but was not paid, so I do not have tax forms for this year. I do have my father's tax forms, which I have included in the packet. I am currently a dependent of my father's, and this tax form demonstrates that we are underneath the federal poverty income level of X".

Something of that nature is what they want. Hope that helps and good luck to you.

 

[StudentDentistsRock]

Does anyone know what to put down for ADA number? I have a dentpin, but I don't think that what they want put down on the FAP application.

I believe an ADA number is associated with being an ADA member? I tried to make an account to get an ADA number, but I couldn't find an option to register with the website. Links? Do I have to pay to become an ADA member? I'm an undergrad right now if it matters.