Changes ordered for college loans for gay couples

[DonViejo]

Source: AP/via Salon


PHILIP ELLIOTT, ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Students in same-sex marriages will be treated the same as their straight married classmates when it comes to federal college loan applications, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Friday in a shift that reflects this year’s Supreme Court ruling that broadened gay rights.

“We must continue to ensure that every single American is treated equally in the eyes of the law, and this important guidance for students is another step forward in that effort,” Duncan said in a statement.

The Education Department also revised its required Free Application for Federal Student Aid to reflect more inclusive language about students and their parents. The department said it would recognize a student — and parents — as legally married if the couple was legally married in a state that permits same-sex marriages. The new application forms do not distinguish between gay or straight marriages.

The department also said students’ eligibility for federal aid would be the same in all 50 states, regardless of where the student attends school.

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Read more: http://www.salon.com/2013/12/13/changes_ordered_for_college_loans_for_gay_couples/

[frazzled]

1. Now there's a situation where being married is not financially beneficial

If you are applying for financial aid, it would behoove you not to have to declare both parents' incomes. If they're legally married, however, that would be a necessity.

But that's cool--it affects everyone the same: married people, straight or gay, are going to have both their incomes counted into any financial aid decisions ... and kids from single-parent households won't have to compete with kids from more affluent situations. So it's fair all around.