Is there a good chance I will get financial aid?

One of the questions on the financial aid form was: were you born before Jan 1, 1985? I was born in 1984, so I answered yes. I only made 5,000 to 6000 or so, somewhere around that in one year, since I only work part time. I don't have to include any of my father's financial information, or information from his W2, since I'm old enough to apply for financial aid myself. However, there is a question on the financial aid form that says Money received, or paid on your behalf (e.g. bills). My dad pays for a couple of my bills. With my annual income, and the fact that I am applying for financial aid myself increase my chances of earning money for school? If my dad pays for some of my bills still, even though I'm old enough to apply for it by myself will this affect me in any way in not receiving aid? Will financial aid cover all tuition and books? Should I even bother dealing with it? How does financial aid work? Full credit to best answer!

I'm in a 2-year school and going full time.

You are considered an indpendent student, so you do not need to put any of your parents information. Your EFC should be zero, and you are going to go to a community college, so your first two years should be paid for. On the question regarding pills paid on your behalf you could still put what your family has helped you out with and it probbly won't effect your EFC at all. So don't worry.

Because of your age, you are considered an independent student. Based on your income, your EFC would be 0, meaning you would be eligible for a full PELL grant of $4310 and student loans up to $7500. Your school may also offer you something else. But even with just the PELL and Federal Stafford Loans you would have$11,810. Financial aid can cover all tuition and books, but it depends on how much the tuition is at the school you are planning to attend. You will not receive more in PELL grant just because you choose to attend a school where the annual tuition is 20,000. Some students attending a public school where the annual tuition may be $3100 have enough in PELL grant to cover all their tuition and books.

You need to file a FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once you file you will receive a Student Aid Report from FAFSA and your information will be sent to any schools you listed on the FAFSA. The school will send you an award letter letting you know what you are eligible for. The earlier you file your FAFSA, the more aid that will be available. You will have to compare what you have been offered in financial aid to what it cost to go to the school of your choice and determine if you have enough financial aid to cover. Most likely a loan will be included as part of your financial aid award. You will have to decide if you need that loan to cover your cost. If you do NOT need it, you will need to notify the school you are declining the loan. If you do want the loan, you will need to follow your school's procedure for completing entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note, MPN.

You definetly should "bother" There are other federal and state grants available that you may qualify for. And with your income you will be considered a student with need. Good luck.