Should We Add a Fiancee's Earnings During Verification If the Fiancee Is Included In Family Size?

No. The non-spouse fiancee's earnings are not reported on the FAFSA even if the fiancee is included in the student's family size.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. Starting with the 2024-25 award year under the FAFSA Simplification Act, household size becomes family size, and the non-spouse fiancee must meet the new definition of an individual who can be included in family size. See AskRegs Knowledgebase Q&A, Who Is Included In Family Size Starting In 2024-25? The student also may receive cash support from the fiancee. Starting with the 2024-25 award year, cash support is not reported on the FAFSA, is not included in need analysis, and is not treated as other financial assistance (OFA) when packaging the student with Title IV aid.

You are not required to verify or otherwise confirm that the student provides more than half support for the fiancee unless there is conflicting information in the student's file.

See also AskRegs Knowledgebase Q&A, Can We Use PJ To Include Income That Was Excluded From Need Analysis By the FAFSA Simplification Act?

Student Aid Reference Desk: For additional information, try the Student Aid Reference Desk. It is a central hub of all the important financial aid resources you need with direct links to legislation, regulation, Dear Colleague Letters, and other ED and NASFAA references. It is updated on a rolling basis with the latest news and changes. Search Verification.