Yes, you may still be eligible. FAP eligibility is based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), not your gross income reported on a 1099.
What is the difference? A 1099 reports your total earnings before deductions. Your AGI reflects your income after allowable deductions — such as business expenses — and is the figure reported on your Form 1040. Because the IRS already accounts for these adjustments, AGI is the standard measure used to determine financial need across most federal aid programs, including FAP.
For example, if your 1099 reports $100,000 in earnings but your business expenses and deductions bring your AGI to $60,000, your eligibility would be evaluated based on the $60,000 AGI.
What should I do? If there is a significant difference between your 1099 gross income and your AGI, we recommend using the extenuating circumstances box in your application to briefly explain the discrepancy. This helps reviewers understand your full financial picture and ensures your application is evaluated accurately.
What documents do I need?
<ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Form 1040&nbsp;</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">1099 form(s)</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Any supporting documentation that explains the difference between your gross and adjusted income, if available</li>
</ul>

Yes, you may still be eligible. FAP eligibility is based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), not your gross income reported on a 1099.

What is the difference? A 1099 reports your total earnings before deductions. Your AGI reflects your income after allowable deductions — such as business expenses — and is the figure reported on your Form 1040. Because the IRS already accounts for these adjustments, AGI is the standard measure used to determine financial need across most federal aid programs, including FAP.

For example, if your 1099 reports $100,000 in earnings but your business expenses and deductions bring your AGI to $60,000, your eligibility would be evaluated based on the $60,000 AGI.

What should I do? If there is a significant difference between your 1099 gross income and your AGI, we recommend using the extenuating circumstances box in your application to briefly explain the discrepancy. This helps reviewers understand your full financial picture and ensures your application is evaluated accurately.

What documents do I need?

 * Form 1040 
 * 1099 form(s)
 * Any supporting documentation that explains the difference between your gross and adjusted income, if available

My 1099 income looks high, but my AGI is below the threshold — am I still eligible?

What financial information do I need to provide and what do they look like? 

What is the adjusted gross income (AGI) and why is it important?

Do I need to submit Tax Forms for my parent/guardian(s)? 

Does recent financial hardship impact the application? 

Do I need to apply for the FAFSA to apply for FAP? 

Can I submit tax transcripts? 

What information does my FAFSA submission summary need to include? 

What information is needed to document Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance? 

Do I add all income for the AGI box on the application? 

How do I provide tax documentation if my parents live outside the United States?

How do I know if I’m listed as a dependent on my parent’s tax forms? 

Do I have to report both parents’ income if one parent has custody or if my parents are divorced? 

Does “household number” include people living in the house but not claimed on taxes? 

Do I need to submit tax information for all household members, such as siblings? 

Is earned income credit or dependent child credit additional income? 

Finance FAQs

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