College Education

[godschild]

Im in school and I want to finish my degree, but since I moved out of my mothers house because I am gay, she does not provide for me. She will give me her information for my fasfa, but her income is too high for me to get assistance. What should I do? I cannot pay out of pocket. Do you know of any organizations that would help? Or do you know of anyway for me to be considered by the government as independent? I have not really lived with her for about three years now, except for 5 months this year. Help please. It means the world to me to finish my degree.

[BenL]

Take a look at the Point Foundation (http://www.pointfoundation.org/). You may qualify. There are other organizations that help glbt youth go to or stay in college. Check with the financial aid office of your college to find out what your oprtions might be.

Good luck.

[Daniel]

Im in school and I want to finish my degree, but since I moved out of my mothers house because I am gay, she does not provide for me. She will give me her information for my fasfa, but her income is too high for me to get assistance. What should I do? I cannot pay out of pocket. Do you know of any organizations that would help? Or do you know of anyway for me to be considered by the government as independent? I have not really lived with her for about three years now, except for 5 months this year. Help please. It means the world to me to finish my degree.

Have you filed taxes? You may be able to prove that you are taking care of yourself. As in all situations lile this, establishing a paper trail is key. And is your mother claiming you as a dependent? If so, on 'paper', your case may be hard to prove. But even then, as Ben notes, there may be options. Not being a up on these matters, I suggest that you talk to a financial counselor at your school to get the low-down. You need legal and financial info.

Knowledge really is power.

I wish you the best of luck! Blessings to you!

[keltic63]

I've done some work for www.heartstrong.org (http://www.heartstrong.org) too, they may be able to offer some assistance.

[pnggrad79]

Godschild,
I am appalled at your mother's heartlessness. Unbelievable, but so many parents are like that when they find their child is gay or lesbian. It is almost a twisted way to discipline a wayward child; if they withhold funds for education maybe you will straighten up and fly right, y'know? Follow the suggestions of Ben and Keltic. It could provide the help that you need to finish college and live an authentic, beautiful gay life. Meanwhile, pray for guidance and light for your mom. I can't believe parents would do that to their kid, it is unconscionable.:mad:

[godschild]

thank you all for your replies i will definitely look into it. Everyone in my financial aid office seems to be so rude and they do not like to help. I've heard by many people that they only give out information really to your parents. I have had a meeting with three of them and they all tell me the same thing. that i have to get a private loan. Well here is the problem. My older brother still has not transfered the car i gave him a year and a half ago to his name because he has worried about his credit. Meanwhile, my credit has been murdered because I have another car. So no loan for me. I dont know what to do. Seriously thinking about getting into prepaid legal or maybe i can call one of those free legal advice lines. Yes my mother claimed me as a dependent last year, but I DIDNT EVEN LIVE WITH HER! and she did not take care of me! on my taxes i said no one will be able to claim me as a dependent. and she did!!! it upsets me. some one told me that I would be able to go to court and get an emancipation to be declared an independent, but Im not sure what I am supposed to do and how to get it done. She just knows a friend that did it. Thanks so much for your help. If you find anything else out let me know.

[Daniel]

thank you all for your replies i will definitely look into it. Everyone in my financial aid office seems to be so rude and they do not like to help. I've heard by many people that they only give out information really to your parents. I have had a meeting with three of them and they all tell me the same thing. that i have to get a private loan. Well here is the problem. My older brother still has not transfered the car i gave him a year and a half ago to his name because he has worried about his credit. Meanwhile, my credit has been murdered because I have another car. So no loan for me. I dont know what to do. Seriously thinking about getting into prepaid legal or maybe i can call one of those free legal advice lines. Yes my mother claimed me as a dependent last year, but I DIDNT EVEN LIVE WITH HER! and she did not take care of me! on my taxes i said no one will be able to claim me as a dependent. and she did!!! it upsets me. some one told me that I would be able to go to court and get an emancipation to be declared an independent, but Im not sure what I am supposed to do and how to get it done. She just knows a friend that did it. Thanks so much for your help. If you find anything else out let me know.

Oh dear.....I thought this might be the case. And I am sorry that the financial people at your school have been less than helpful.

Your friend may be on the right track re declaring yourself independent, though I do not know the legal angle. You know who might be able to address this matter? Lamba Legal Defense. They have a help line.

http://www.lambdalegal.org/help/

The important thing here is this: don't give up. If Lamba can't help you, someone can. And if you have to pay a lawyer to answer your questions, it will be money well spend. I would also get in touch with the friend of your friend.

Now. In regard to your brother and the car business. You are letting him take advantage of you- you know that- right? I'll cut to the chase here. You need to be very careful that you aren't setting up a pattern for the future, that is, where you do things for others at your expense.

I would give your brother an ultimatum. Either he puts that car in his name or you sell it.