I am raising my grandchildren. Both parents have been in and out of the prison systems. Will the children's eligibility for financial aide be baised on my income? One grandchild is a sophomore this year and I do not have any money set aside for college. It was not my intent to have to help pay for higher education for these children.

Who is the guardian, who has legal custody.

If you have the legal custody and/or is the guardian, then yes your income will be the one used.

If the parents still have legal custody then their incomes will be used.