<prompt> Human: Ill be getting financial aid money soon and my mom says that the money is ours. The amount they give you is based off of our income. Is it true that she has control over the money they give me, Im an 18 year old guy and find that this is bullshit.  <response>: She is full of shit.The financial aid calculates based off the aid that you can anticipate getting from your family. Basically, can you expect your family to cover the majority of your school expenses? No? Then you get a larger percentage of your total possible financial aid.The money, whether it is grants or loans, goes to the school first. The school deducts the cost of going, including tuition, lab fees, etc. If anything is left, that is sent to you as a refund.Usually it is direct deposit. Make sure your mom doesnt make you give their bank account as the one the money gets refunded to. Some schools may also still send you a check in the mail, in your name. But it takes longer than the direct deposit. 