<p>You cannot “go independent”. It is not a choice you make. FAFSA asks a series of very specific questions to determine whether you are a dependent for FA purposes. The questions are things like age (to be independent you would have to be 24), marital status, are you married, do you have a dependent you are supporting, are you a veteran etc. Unless you can answer yes to one of the questions you are a dependent. 18 does not make you independent. Nor does living with your aunt (or living alone and being self supporting). Your Mom’s financial information and that of her spouse is required on your FAFSA. You will not be eligible for federal grant money but will be eligible for federal student loans.</p>