Question on funding and loans

[Anonymous]

Hi all

I realize there is a lot of talk about the shutdown so I am not sure if people will see this.

I was laid off early last year (2012) and filed unemployment. I recieved the money and everything. I still haven't found work (or enough work to fully pay basic bills).
When I filed my taxes for last year I had my job and the unemployment. This year I have nothing - yes I have been getting a few jobs mostly cash just to cover bills and survive. I know that is bad but I need the money.

I am looking to go back to school and I will need to apply for financial aid and loans but I am thinking I need to do that quick so I can show my 2012 tax return and that I was on unemployment (because I have not tax records for this year) Is that right?
Sorry if this sounds stupid. I seriously would love to go back to school but I can't afford it on my own. I am hoping that in the next year I get a full time job with taxes but I don't want to wait a year or more to start school. Or should I wait? If I wait an another year that puts me even farther behind in getting a degree (just a BA for now).

thanks all

[Anonymous]

You will use your 2012 returns to file a FAFSA for the 2013-2014 school year, so if you decide to start in January you'd use those. You'll use 2013 returns for the 2014-2015 school year. However, I am assuming that you want to go to school for more than one year so either way you'll need to file for 2013 at some point. I'm not sure I understand your concern. You can still file taxes for 2013, just submit the cash you earned as Misc. income. If your income is zero, you aren't going to be penalized, you will probably get more financial aid.