Parents' Information on the FAFSA for an Independent

The FAFSA form must be filled out to receive federal financial aid.

Whether or not you must include your parents' information on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) depends on the answers you provide in the dependent status section of the application. If you are classified as a dependent, information regarding you and your parent's income and assests must be provided.

Dependent or Independent: Status Determination

If you are classified as a dependent student, it is assumed that you and your parents will share the responsibility of paying for your college education. Otherwise, you are considered an independent student, meaning that you are the sole source of your college education funding.

FAFSA Section 3 Questionnaire

If you were born before January 1, 1985, married, working on a graduate degree, or serving on active duty in the military, you are considered an independent student for federal financial aid purposes. You are also considered an independent student if you are an under-aged orphan or ward of the state or if you have dependents who live with you or rely on you for more than half of their support. Military veterans are also considered independent students.

Verification

It is important that your FAFSA is completed accurately. You may be required to submit verifying documents to your educational institution in order to complete the application process. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will result in the denial of your financial aid. If it is later determined that you were given financial assistance based on incorrect information, you will be liable for repayment and other enforcement actions.

References

• Student Aid: Am I Dependent or Independent?
• FAFSA: FAQ