Comments on: Dependent Student Vs. Independent Student Status on the FAFSA

By: Marsha

Marsha — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:44:39 +0000

Our daughter, 19, moved out (while we were gone one day) and in with her boyfriends parents who are enabling her. She has a parttime job, is going to school fulltime, and drives her own car and has her own car insurance. We were helping her with college last semester. This semester, she applied for fin. aid (since she thinks she is INDEPENDENT) and got an independent status on her financial aid. She fits none of the criteria for independent status. How could this possibly happen? She is at a junior college for one more year. She is NOT a veteran, not married, no children never a ward of the state, etc. I’m a little confused.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:47:34 +0000

My son was listed as a dependent on my tax forms this year because he was on full disability for the whole year and technically speaking had no income. Is he considered a dependent or independent?

By: Leah

Leah — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:39:31 +0000

So, I’ve got a situation for you. My father who I never see or talk to is technically the only parent who counts in my FAFSA. But he avoids me like the plague and essentially refuse to help me with this at all, now I know based on that I can’t get a dependency override. However my step-mom (my father’s second wife, who never legal adopted me while they were married, so I can’t claim her as my parent) parents let me live with them, since my step-mom doesn’t count in my FAFSA, and as far as the law is considered aren’t even my family, would I qualify for a dependency override, or homeless (the application said homeless was defined as “living with someone because you have no where else to live” or anything, or am I just screwed until I turn 24?

By: Sandra Proulx

Sandra Proulx — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:40:28 +0000

Lindsay–based solely on what you mentioned above, then yes, I’d be inclined to say you are still a dependent student. However, there are a number of other criteria you may meet that you did not specify, such as whether or not you were an emancipated minor as determined by a court or if your parents are deceased.

You may change your dependent status by requesting a dependency review through your financial aid office. You will have to provide documentation explaining your situation, and in some cases, your FAFSA will be filed on your behalf with a dependency override, making you independent.

Best of luck!
Sandra
Community Manager

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:04:14 +0000

I’m confused, I graduated with a BA from college once, I got a job which requires me to go back and get a second BA, but i have to file as a dependent because I’m going back for a second BA and under the age of 24? I live on my own, pay my own bills and have my own job and file my taxes as an independent!? Am I missing something?

By: crystal

crystal — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:53:11 +0000

Is there more advantages to the independent status than the dependent status as far as available money?

By: Lisa Ruffino

Lisa Ruffino — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:30:11 +0000

Hello Reader,

Thank you for reading the EducationGrant Blog. We strive to provide financial aid information, news, and research resources. For advice regarding your personal situation, you should always speak directly with a counselor in your school’s financial aid office. It is the financial aid office’s job and responsibility to explain and help you understand all your college costs and financial aid options. Best wishes for your college success, the EducationGrant Editors

By: Nikita Earle

Nikita Earle — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:13:26 +0000

I am making sure I understand the conditions of dependent and independent. Because I was born in September of 1986 I can file as an independent for 2010-2011 school year. Is this correct?