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Both of my parents are diabled but get disability pensions not taxable. Insurance payout helped them payoff the mortgage and amass some money but not in an retirement account due to the fact thats its not earned income. They have saved 200k in mutual funds but like I said are disabled and young 40s and will not return to work. The money is their retirement savings. I have saved 30k in a mutual fund and my brother has zero. Will we qulify for aid based on these or special circumstances. Who should we talk to. Thanks Jeanie

By Calmom (Calmom) on Wednesday, October 30, 2002 - 12:26 pm: Edit

Jeannie,
The CSS Profile form has space on it to indicate special circumstances - you should be sure to write down the situation with your parent's disability there. If their disability also results results in higher medical expenses, or expenses related to their therapy and care (such as an in-home care worker, or expensis for special apparatus), you should note that as well.

Then, send a "special circumstances" letter to each of the colleges you are applying to, outlining the circumstances.

The colleges will expect you to pay 35% of the money in your mutual fund toward your college expenses - since it is in your name, they probably won't give any consideration for the disability. However, given your parent's circumstances, they may waive any contribution from them (I don't know, but it seems fair).

By Priscilla Ames on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 07:20 pm: Edit

Both of my parents are disabled also. I am just trying to see if there is money out there for me to help me through college. Both of them have bills, for example medical bills. I am the last child to go through college,but its hard to do when you have financial situations.

By Eugene Bray on Thursday, January 09, 2003 - 03:13 pm: Edit

My reall father is disabled and I live with my mother. I was wondering what kind of scholarships thier is for a person like me.I also have four step bothers and sisters, that live with my father.

By brandi johnson on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 12:45 am: Edit

My Mother is disabled, she has been diagnosed with lupus for the last 12 years. Are there any special needs for finacial aid to help me pay for school

By Jake Gibson on Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:46 pm: Edit

My parents are divorced and I live with my father. My Father is disabled and has been in and out of hospitals for many reasons including trying to commit suicide. I have taken care of him most of my life but now that i am in college its harder for me and I don’t have the money by myself for college right now I have many loans and I was wondering if there was any scholarships out there for someone in my situation? Thank you so much for your time.

By Billboyle (Billboyle) on Tuesday, September 30, 2003 - 08:00 pm: Edit

Does anyone know of scholarships availabe to females when father is divorced and disabled receiving only Social security benefits?

Thanks for any insights.

By Jill1704 (Jill1704) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 09:27 am: Edit

My mother has been on disability for almost 9 years now, and my father recently left work and is on short term disability. My father plans on returning to work, but it is unknown when he will be able to. I have heard that prospective college students can get special financial help if they have parents who are receiving disability checks. I have already been accepted to a college and am looking for all the financial help I can get. Can you please tell me if any is available in my situation?