From Roseanne:

Most all of us receive survivors benefit for our children until age 18.  It is untaxed income in the childs name.  

Most of lost our spouses in 2020 or 2021 so we filed married those years with spouses income reported.  

1. Are these SS benefits  considered child’s income on the FAFSA  since it is most likely unreported income on taxes 
2. Can you briefly explain the FAFSA and what tax year is needed (prior prior) for the school year as well as the IRS upload and if it will be allowed if our status changed from married to widow. 
3. Is a 529 the best option for these funds?  (Can you explain this fund for the younger widows with young children) 
4. What are the restrictions/penalties to the 529?  
5. Is it best to have a relative set up the 529 to remove it as a parental or child’s asset? 
6. Can you explain how assets are weighed on the FAFSA.   Childs vs parental
7.  Is there a better investment option since this benefit is already not taxed? 
8. For those of us that have these funds sitting in a savings account (like me) who need to place it somewhere and get it out of our child’s name before completing the FAFSA (if you can explain how the FAFSA weighs asset/investments in child’s name heavily) .  Is gifting 16,000 to other siblings “legal” since this removes it as a student and parental asset? 
9. Can you explain about what parental income should be reported on FAFSA (should deceased spouse’s income be reported if died during prior/ prior year.)
10. Should life insurance received during prior/ prior year be considered as income on FAFSA if it was not put on that years taxes. 
11. Scholarships or grants available for hardship ?  
12. How to negotiate with schools due to hardship.