Dependent or Independent?

hsmomstef
Tue, 20 Feb 2007 09:25:33 +0000

quoted directly from the FAFSA website – you must meet one of these requirements to be independent for financial aid purposes.

"For the 2007-2008 academic year, you’re considered an independent student ONLY IF at least one of the following criteria applies to you:

You were born before January 1, 1984.

You will be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program (beyond a bachelor’s degree) at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year.

You’re married as of the day you apply (or you’re separated but not divorced).

You have children who receive more than half their support from you.

You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you at the time you apply and through June 30, 2008.

Both your parents are deceased, or you are (or were until age 18) a ward or dependent of the court.

You’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. (A “veteran” includes students who attended a U.S. service academy and who were released under a condition other than dishonorable. For more detail on who is considered a veteran, see the explanatory notes on the FAFSA.)
If none of these criteria applies to you, you’re considered dependent."

as long as you meet one of these requirements – you are independent and you will have a lower EFC.