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
You should contact the Financial Aid Office at your home campus and speak with a Financial Aid Specialist. The Financial Aid Specialist can discuss your situation and determine if you may need a Recalculation Form. If the recalculation is approved, the corrections to your FAFSA will be submitted by the Financial Aid Office. This process can take up to 10 business days to complete.
(Financial Aid > Applying for Aid)