Family gifts that finance the living expenses of a college student who otherwise appears in the statistics as a low income household are also not counted, again exaggerating income inequality, or at least differences in standard of living.

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"The fund's administrator will have sole discretion regarding the dispersal of funds, and guidelines will be put in place to define reasonable living expenses for Mr. Zimmerman and his family and to fund necessary legal expenses, " the defense team reported on its website.

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Chevron also flew Bastidas and four family members out of Ecuador and is supplying housing and living expenses in the U.S. for their safety, Robertson said.

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The difference between what the college will provide and how much you actually have to lay out for tuition, room, board, books, and general living expenses is what is called the expected family contribution.

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At least until recently, the family has received none of this, other than having their living expenses paid.

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