<prompt> Human: My younger brother by a year 12 is finishing his sophomore year of college this year. In order for him to fill out his FAFSA he is considered a dependent and is required to utilize our Fathers tax returns to complete this. The problem is my father is homeless, mentally unstable, and did not file his taxes year. Its impossible to talk to my father about any financial issues at all without him flying off the rails and becoming a danger to himself and others. From my research there is no way to get financial aid without our Fathers returns. We have no other family to borrow money from or co-sign loans for us. How could we possibly fie taxes a year late on our fathers behalf? Is it possible to be a 1099 from his employer on his behalf? He is a taxi driver and Im fairly sure considered an independent contractor. Are there any other options we can take get money for school or is my brother just shit out of luck as far as college is concerned until hes 24? Im sorry if this is the wrong sub for this Im just very scared my little brother will be forced to drop out. I wish I could help him but I still have another semester yet until I graduate as well and currently dont have any money to help him pay for college or I would in a heartbeat. Edit - as far as specific costs he goes to a public University. The tuition cost is 12k a year the the estimated cost of attendance is 23k a year. He does have a job as a waiter in a high end restaurant and works 40 hours a week. When he got financial aid before he received enough aid and contributed enough of his own money from working that he has not taken out any loans thus far. However without any aid at all he could not support himself and pay the 12k for tuition plus books and supplies.Second edit - the tuition is 13k for students with more than 55 credits. :  <response>: I work in the financial aid office for an Ivy League school. We have a policy that students with parents who are incapable of filing federal taxes can provide a non-tax filer form in place of providing IRS documents. Additionally, many students with extenuating family circumstances where one or both parents have mental health issues can file waivers for their unique situations to be included in the student needs analysis formula in place of traditional tax information, since it is unavailable. Id suggest speaking to a financial aid counselor about your circumstances. They are typically very helpful, and there is no reason to put education on the line because of misplaced feelings of shame or embarrassment - we didnt choose our lot but we can make the best of what we got. All good luck. Edit: link 