If you cannot provide parent information on your FAFSA and do not meet the standard requirements for independent status, you may qualify for a Dependency Override under certain unusual circumstances.
When You May Qualify
Examples of unusual circumstances include:
- Your parents are incarcerated.
- You have left home due to an abusive family environment.
- You do not know where your parents are and cannot contact them (and you have not been adopted).
Situations That Do Not Qualify
The following reasons, alone or combined, are not grounds for a Dependency Override:
- Parent refuses to contribute to your education.
- Parent is unwilling to provide documentation for FAFSA or verification.
- Parent does not claim you on their tax return.
- You demonstrate total self-support.
How to Request a Dependency Status Review
Under Federal law, only your FAA has the authority to decide whether or not you must provide parental information on your FAFSA.
You will have to provide documentation to verify your situation. Gather as much written evidence of your situation as you can. Written evidence may include court or law enforcement documents, letters from a clergy member, school counselor or social worker, and/or any other relevant data that explains your unusual circumstance. Any letters that are submitted to support your request, must be signed and typewritten. In addition to documentation, you must submit a typewritten appeal describing your situation and why you should be considered an independent student. Dependency Overrides require documents proving independence for longer than 6 months.
Additional Information Needed:
Dependency Overrides: Dependency Override Request form obtained from any of the Financial Aid Office locations, current Verification worksheet, copy of your IRS Tax Transcript, a copy of parents' Tax Return/Transcript to show you were not claimed, copy of your Rental Agreement or Mortgage(must be in your name) as well as a copy of a utility bill (electric, water, waste management, etc.) in your name.
After reviewing your circumstances carefully, the FAA will determine if you must provide parental information or if your circumstances can allow you to proceed without providing parental data. The decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Once you have submitted all necessary documents needed for your request to be accurately reviewed, please allow up to 10 business days for a decision to be determined. You will be contacted by mail or your KCTCS email about the decision as well as any additional information that may be requested of you. Therefore, it is extremely important to closely monitor both your e-mail and Student Self-Service on a regular basis.
(Financial Aid > Applying for Aid)