The answers to this vary from person to person. The two basic replies being: Either "YES" or "NO". But I believe that you be truthful at this instance. I have seen many people who have been true and weren't affected by that.

In fact at an USEFI seminar, addressed by the Consulate Officer. it was said by the officer himself that,

" We know that most of the student will end up staying there after completing their studies, but at least we can do our part of skimming them. We can at least play the part of sieving across the deserving people and not every pedestrian."

This means that they evaluate you on the basis of your merits and not by what the person staying abroad is going to do for you. And the financial part is because they want to be assured that you can at least go through your studies fully.

It just happens that many a times, they check your file based on details provided in your passport, and if they do apprehend you lying, that might spell trouble. So, I think telling the truth is the best thing.

If your uncle or cousin or distant aunt stays there, you don't have to say "YES" because that doesn't matter. All that matters is your immediate relatives ..i.e own brother, sister , father or mother.