[hvert]

I'm applying for a work/study program to attend a conference at a reduced rate. in exchange for volunteer work. At the moment, I have $0 annual income. I live off my savings.

My boyfriend lives with me and we split household expenses 50/50. He makes quite a bit of money, but our finances are completely separate.

The questionnaire asks for my household size and household income. Is my household size 1 or 2? If you have a roommate, you don't have to include them on this kind of application, do you?

[SnakeCharmer]

As long as he's not supporting you, you don't file taxes together and he doesn't claim you as a dependent on his taxes, you are considered your own tax household. So the answer is 1.

This reasoning applies to tax returns, school loans, most social service benefits and ObamaCare. Don't see why it wouldn't apply to your work-study program.

[hvert]

Thanks, that's what I went with. Our state has a slightly different definition of household for tax purposes (they include everyone, even roommates, in order to calculate a property tax rebate), so now I'm always hesitant about these questions.

[Fresia]

I agree with Snake Charmer; you would be a household of 1 and do not need to include your boyfriend/roommate for the application. I will be hoping that the work/study program and reduced rate works out for you for the conference.

[hvert]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

It's amazing how many free or nearly free educational opportunities are available. I sent off the application for one conference last night and then learned today that a friend of mine may be able to transfer a scholarship to a week long seminar to me! July could be a busy month

[healingme4me]

Another point, is, if renting, need to be cosigners on it. Otherwise, if in your name, his contribution looks like income coming to you.
Not sure about where home ownership is concerned.

Hope all goes well...

Sent from my LGMS323 using Tapatalk

[Perna]

I would say your household size is 2 but your expenses (which will work for income, too) are only the half, not the whole. You do not have to include your boyfriend's income but do have to give an idea of what you are living on, which would be a rough idea of the expenses you pay. My husband and I are retired and have no income either, live mostly on dividends. It gets very confusing, refinancing the house, etc. :-) If you spend $1000 a month average, then I'd put your income at $12,000 and maybe qualify it with a "from savings" if there's an obvious place to do that.

[hvert]

I own my house, in my name only. This particular application didn't ask for expenses, but I would have used just my half if it did. I put down $0 for my annual income and indicated that I am living off savings while I decide what to do next. It does get complicated, though -- I lost so much money in the market five years ago that I still don't have to pay any capital gains on the stocks I'm selling off to pay my bills or dividends.

I told them that I'm time rich and cash poor at the moment, which makes me happy to work off the conference fee!