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A student is considered to be an "independent" for financial aid purposes if they can answer yes to any of the following: Are you married? Legally married as of the date the FAFSA is submitted. Are you at least 24 years old? 24 years old as of December 31 of the academic award year (for the 1999-2000 school year, you would have to turn 24 before January 1, 2001). Will you be enrolled in a graduate or professional program? Enrollment in course of study beyond a bachelor's degree in the first term of the award year. Are you an orphan or ward of the court? Were you a ward of the court until the age of 18? Do you have one or more legal dependents other than a spouse? These dependents can be your children or any other persons that live with you and receive more than half of their support form you. Are you a veteran of the United States Armed Forces? US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or were a midshipman or cadet at one of the academies and were released under conditions other than dishonorable Are you currently in the US Armed Forces? ROTC students, members of the National Guard, most reservists, and cadets or midshipmen still enrolled in a military service academy are not considered independents. Proof and Exceptions: The financial aid administrator may require additional documentation before awarding independent status. You do not qualify for independent status just because your parents do not claim you on their tax return or refuse to provide support for your college education. If you have a "special circumstance," talk to your financial aid aministrator. The financial aid administrator may be able to override your dependency status if warranted by certain unusual situations. For example: Involuntary dissolution of the family Both of your parents have veen incarcerated Legal restraining order issued against abusive parents Your parents live outside of the United States and you have been granted citizenship or refugee status Form B: Independent Student Form C: Independent Student - with dependents other than spouse   Contact webmaster for questions concerning this site. Copyright 1998, Collegiate Funding. All rights reserved.