This sort of thing is very frustrating and disheartening. Googley, were the actual people at financial aid with whom you spoke bottom-level staffers? If they were, I'm not at all surprised they couldn't deal with your case; I suspect they're barely trained to deal with anything beyond the most routine transactions.

If you can, learn the financial aid hierarchy at your school and aim as high as you practically can. Go to someone senior enough to actually make decisions.

I find bureaucracies overwhelming, and I'm not at all sure I myself could manage the advice I've offered. I wish you strength.