home safety

On today’s FAFSA, the parent of record is the parent who provided more financial support to the student in the last 12 months—not necessarily where the student lived. If support is truly equal, use the parent with the greater income/assets. If that parent is remarried, the stepparent’s information is included, too. Federal Student Aid+1 The … Read more

After a split, the IRS usually gives child-related tax benefits to the custodial parent—the one with more overnights during the year. If time is exactly equal, a tie-breaker awards the child to the parent with the higher AGI. Form 8332 can transfer dependency, but it doesn’t transfer Head of Household or EITC. IRS+2IRS+2 IRS definitions … Read more

For most single parents, both credits matter, but the bigger check often comes from the EITC when your earned income is in its sweet spot and your child lived with you over half the year. The CTC can still be huge, especially if you owe tax. Here’s how to see which one pays more for … Read more

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can boost single-parent refunds—if you pass a few strict tests. Run these five quick checks: your child’s residency, whether you’re claiming the with-child or no-child EITC, your investment-income cap, your filing status/Form 2555, and tie-breaker risks if both parents could claim. What the EITC is (and why single parents … Read more

If you’re a single parent, filing Head of Household (HOH) can lower your tax bill—but only if you meet three tests: you’re unmarried (or “considered unmarried”), you paid over half the cost of keeping up your home, and you have a qualifying person. Here’s the plain-English guide to know if you truly qualify. Why Head … Read more

If you’re a single parent, your three biggest tax wins are: Head of Household (larger standard deduction), the Child Tax Credit/Additional CTC (via Schedule 8812), and the EITC (often the largest cash refund). Qualify for HoH first, then claim CTC/ACTC, then EITC—and keep records that prove residency and support. IRS+2IRS+2 Bottom line: Nail HoH → … Read more

Quick answer: the fastest way to start getting support If you’re a single parent, the quickest path is to open a case with your state child support agency (IV-D office) and request paternity (if needed) + a support order + immediate income withholding. While the case is opening, gather proof of income, childcare costs, and … Read more

Quick answer for single parents: your fastest paths to safe housing If you’re a single parent, the quickest first step is to apply through your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) for Section 8 vouchers and Public Housing, and—if those lists are closed—use HUD’s Find Shelter, 211, and local Continuum of Care to secure emergency shelter/rapid … Read more