I have heard that you can not file as independent until you are 25 years old even if you live by yourself and are not supported by your parents at all. is that true? I know that one exception would be to be married but I'm not looking to do that quite yet.
2006-09-03 08:09:15 · 5 answers · asked by ithek_thundervoice 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Financial Aid
For federal student financial aid purposes, you are considered independent if you can answer Yes to any of the following questions:
Were you born before January 1, 1983?
At the beginning of the school year 2006-2007, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., Ed.D., graduate certificate, etc.)?
As of today, are you married?
Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
Do you have dependents other than your children or spouse who live with you and who received more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2007?
Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
If you are identified as an independent student, your school may ask you to verify the answers to some or all of the questions above before you can receive federal student aid. If you are a health profession student , you may be required to provide information about your parents even though you are an independent student. If you are not sure if your course of study is considered a health profession program, contact the school's financial aid office.
2006-09-03 08:15:17 · answer #1 · answered by Nick 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't have to be 25 to file as an independant. You just have to prove that you support yourself and no one else supports you in any way.
2006-09-03 08:11:32 · answer #2 · answered by ♥Trinity♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When we tried to get FAFSA for my son, we we told 23, with no exceptions. My son moved in with friends at 21 and was completely independent. So unfair!
2006-09-03 08:40:26 · answer #3 · answered by koffee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can file as independant as logn as the previous year you weren't claimed on your parents income tax. That's how they determine independant students.
2006-09-03 08:15:12 · answer #4 · answered by Lynne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get around having to put your parents on your fafsa by stating on your fafsa that you have special circumstances.
Your school will then have you fill out a form explaining your circumstances, along with two letters from a professional (one of them can be substituted with a death certificate or other document).
If they see it fit then you won't have to add your parents to your fafsa.
2006-09-03 15:02:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋