I'm trying to fill ou FAFSA and I am not a dependent of my parents, haven't been in years what do I do?

Question

I an only 21, but haven't been a dependent of my parents since I graduated high school, and I don't have any contact with them. How can I fill out this without needing their tax info. I've been putting off school for a long time because of this but want to go back now.

Answer 1

As you've probably noticed, there is no place on the FAFSA to indicate whether or not you will be receiving financial support from your parents. This is intentional. The government views college financing as being the primary responsibility of the student and his/her parents. Each of these parties is expected to contribute to the student's schooling (with the exact contributions based on family's EFC). The school/government is meant to step in only when the student's/parents' resources fall short of meeting those educational costs.

To some extent, Financial Aid offices must award you financial aid based on this "it's the family's responsibility" premise. Frankly, no one *wants* to have to pay for college, but those with the means to do so are expected to. Helping to pay for a child's education is generally not seen as a parent's "choice."

That said, the fact that you have no contact with your parents could be sufficient grounds for your school to perform what we call a "dependency override." You should speak to your school(s) immediately to discuss your situation. Most schools have an "appeal" process wherein the student can submit documentation showing that they are independent from their parents. Keep in mind that most of these schools review these situations as "all or nothing," by which I mean that, if you are independent, you must be completely independent (which it sounds like you are). Your school will most likely expect you to show that you are completely self-supporting (usually that you have been paying for your food, housing, insurance, transportation all on your own for a specified period of time). Keep copies of your taxes, canceled checks showing that you have paid rent on your own, credit card bills or receipts showing purchases of food and clothing, etc.

At this point, I would recommend filing your FAFSA to the best of your ability w/o the parent information. Then contact your school to discuss the Dependency Override. Make sure that you give your school all the documentation they need -- schools need to be careful about overriding the government's decision about a student's dependency status. You and your school will both need to make sure that all your "t"s are crossed and "i"s dotted. Once the decision is made, the actual override process is simple: I, quite literally, have a button that I click that says "Dependency Override: Dependent to Independent"; then transmit the data electronically to the Dept. of Ed. The DOE will then send your school a revised FAFSA that allows them to award you like an independent student.

Answer 2

I hate this too. Unfortunately, if you are under 24, unmarried, have no dependents,parents are not deceased, and not in the military you are considered dependent. It is absolutely ridiculous but that is how it works. I did read that you can ask the financial advisor to do an override and tell them you have no contact with parents and are independent. Most likely they will not do it but if they did you would get less help bc they think an independent student with no other dependents should be able to pay more for school. I put mine off for the same reason but I got pregnant so I was able to be considered independent.

Answer 3

What you can do is classify yourself as an independent student. They have requirements that you have to meet in order to be that. Being 21 and not living in the same house with them for over a year helps you out a lot. Check with the school financial aid office and they can give you the details on exactly how to do that. I was over 20 and going back to college and I never had to list my parents income because after one year they didn't help. Not for the lack of wanting to but because of their financial situation they couldn't. So talk with your school and you shouldn't have to use their info.

Answer 4

you're actually not based till 25 or are married. you will prefer your dads records. a minimum of thats what i replaced into instructed. i replaced into in a matching difficulty. I observed as the touch type and talked to somebody and that i'm nevertheless waiting to take heed to back. additionally flow your colleges financial help place of work and refer to them and notice what could be achieved. I did that and crammed out a large style of paper artwork and have been given some funds

Answer 5

The area where thier info(financial) leave it blank and only include your info. This would show that you are responsible for your own finances. That's how I did mine years ago.

Answer 6

i dont know wat to say brother i m in same situation right now. but i m going back for little counseling i m sure they r going to find a solution to it. let me know if u find a solution to it.