Can I still get foster youth benefits if I aged out of care?

Yes, absolutely. Most benefits remain available if you were in foster care at age 13 or older. You maintain independent student status on FAFSA for life, ETV funding is available until age 26 in most states, and state tuition waivers typically remain accessible.

What if I don't go to college right after high school?

Taking a gap year or starting college later is completely acceptable. Your foster youth benefits remain available—independent FAFSA status continues regardless of when you apply, and ETV funding is available until age 26.

Do I need to include parental information on FAFSA if I was adopted?

It depends on when you were adopted. If you were adopted from foster care at age 13 or older, you still qualify for independent student status and do not need parental information.

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