The first step to obtaining federal grants and loans while you study is to file your taxes each year. You will need completed tax documents that show your income, deductions and dependents to apply for government funding. Additionally, tax breaks are available for students who have paid for tuition or student loan interest out of their own pockets. Talk to your tax professional to learn more about the American Opportunity Tax Credit and The Lifetime Learning Credit.
Fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for federal and state funding. This funding can include grants, which don't have to be paid back, or loans, which are offered at some of the lowest repayment interest rates on the market. Your school's financial aid department should have paper copies of the FAFSA; counselors can assist you in filling the form out. Alternately, you can visit the FAFSA website and complete your application there. Be sure to note the number of dependents you are caring for on your application. You will be notified through your school of how much financial aid you are eligible for.
Going to school while raising children means you need some form of childcare while you're in classes. You have several options for childcare, including traditional daycares, head start programs and on-campus childcare centers at some universities. For students who need financial assistance to help with childcare, your state may be able to held fund the care through their Department of Human Services. Your local office can assist you with filling out forms and determining if you are eligible for assistance. If your college offers on-site childcare, inquire if they have a sliding fee scale for students.
Thanks to the increase in non-traditional students (including those with children) in recent years, more scholarships have become available to student parents. Inquire at your college's financial aid office to see if there are specific scholarships that require or prefer applicants to be a parent in need of financial assistance. In addition to the scholarships your school might have on file, private corporations and churches may offer scholarship opportunities to parents in school.