when do we receive the first loan money in medical school?

[LovelyDays]

Hi, I got accepted into a medical school and already submitted FAFSA. What do I need to do to apply for loans now? and if I get approved for the loans, when would I receive the money? School starts in August but I plan to get there in July and try to get used to the new environment. Would I get the loan money before the semester begin? My parents are getting divorced and mom will follow me when I go to medical school. She has no job, no car, and she cannot speak English. So, I will have to support her for the rest of my life and I am worried if the loans would not be enough to support myself and mother. Dad also has minus bank account now. I gave him near $10,000, but he asked me if I can give him more money. So, I will try to give him as much money as I can and use the loan money to get housing for myself and mother. I do not know how this would work out both financially and emotionally throughout my medical school years. Any information or advise would be appreciated.

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[HatWobble]

Hi, I got accepted into a medical school and already submitted FAFSA. What do I need to do to apply for loans now? and if I get approved for the loans, when would I receive the money? School starts in August but I plan to get there in July and try to get used to the new environment. Would I get the loan money before the semester begin? My parents are getting divorced and mom will follow me when I go to medical school. She has no job, no car, and she cannot speak English. So, I will have to support her for the rest of my life and I am worried if the loans would not be enough to support myself and mother. Dad also has minus bank account now. I gave him near $10,000, but he asked me if I can give him more money. So, I will try to give him as much money as I can and use the loan money to get housing for myself and mother. I do not know how this would work out both financially and emotionally throughout my medical school years. Any information or advise would be appreciated.

It sounds like you're in a tough situation.

I would recommend making an appointment with the financial aid officer at your school to discuss your situation.

 

[ucbsmd]

From my understanding, federal rules prohibit distribution of funds before the semester/quarter begins.

 

[LovelyDays]

Thank you for the idea. I will try that.

It sounds like you're in a tough situation.

I would recommend making an appointment with the financial aid officer at your school to discuss your situation.

 

[LovelyDays]

Okay, I will look into that federal rules. Thank you for the information.

From my understanding, federal rules prohibit distribution of funds before the semester/quarter begins.

 

[tiedyeddog]

Have you tried looking for any social services in your city? It sounds like your family could really use a great social worker to try and help you out. Maybe your mom could qualify from some kind of state or federal program?

Here is some advice, although I have never been in your situation so I can't say I understand what you're going through.

1. Stop loaning your dad money. You're his kid, he is an adult. You don't have the money to support him right now. Don't take out additional loans to give him money, you'll regret it immensely once pay back starts in residency or beyond. I am assuming he works, tell him to make do with what he makes or get a second or third job. You can support him once you become an attending.

2. Is there a reason your mom can't work if she learns english? Can she enroll in an english as a second language class? It's going to be extremely hard on you if you seriously need to take care of her for the rest of your life. I am assuming you're a young adult, it's unreasonable for her to not even try to learn english and get a job, unless she has some kind of disability.

3. You really need to talk to school counselors about this and the financial aid people at your school. They will hopefully help you or point you towards someone who can help. If your mom is a US citizen you might be able to qualify for food stamps and other programs.

I hope this helps, it sounds like a very hard situation.

 

[LovelyDays]

I appreciate the information and advice you have provided. Your advice is very helpful and enlightening.

Have you tried looking for any social services in your city? It sounds like your family could really use a great social worker to try and help you out. Maybe your mom could qualify from some kind of state or federal program?

Here is some advice, although I have never been in your situation so I can't say I understand what you're going through.

1. Stop loaning your dad money. You're his kid, he is an adult. You don't have the money to support him right now. Don't take out additional loans to give him money, you'll regret it immensely once pay back starts in residency or beyond. I am assuming he works, tell him to make do with what he makes or get a second or third job. You can support him once you become an attending.

2. Is there a reason your mom can't work if she learns english? Can she enroll in an english as a second language class? It's going to be extremely hard on you if you seriously need to take care of her for the rest of your life. I am assuming you're a young adult, it's unreasonable for her to not even try to learn english and get a job, unless she has some kind of disability.

3. You really need to talk to school counselors about this and the financial aid people at your school. They will hopefully help you or point you towards someone who can help. If your mom is a US citizen you might be able to qualify for food stamps and other programs.

I hope this helps, it sounds like a very hard situation.

 

[jr93]

Others can probably speak better to this but I believe it is not legal to spend med school loan dollars on anything but stuff that benefits you in med school. Lots might argue that it doesn't include taking care of your mother. As many have mentioned, it would be difficult anyway, even if it were legal. Help when you can but be careful and like others have said, she should learn english and find a job. Even without being fluent you can clean houses, clean gyms, clean stores, etc...

 

[mvenus929]

You'll need to speak to your school's financial aid office to see what you actually need to do to apply for loans. My school requires a separate financial aid application with parental information.

My school won't disperse loans until the middle of August, so you may be in a tough place if you're expecting to get loan money in July.