independent or dependent?

BrownParent
Sat, 05 Sep 2015 20:06:10 +0000

It is best if you just find out if you were in a legal guardianship or foster care. If in foster care they would have got a payment for providing that. Then you file independent. If not, then you may be able to get an override via ‘professional judgement’ from the financial aid offer at any college you apply to. But if you have to file as a dependent you have to put accurate income and asset info for your dad–technically he is supposed to do it–if you put zero you will be verified as to how he lives with zero income the will need supporting docs.

Number in family refers to how many in the household. If you are independent just you unless you are married. If dependent, then how many with your dad.

A bit unusual so maybe member @kelsmom can give you a better reply.