Dependency Determination
Dependency Overrides
The federal government developed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as the tool for calculating all students' aid in a fair way. For the vast majority of students it allows for a reasonable calculation of financial responsibility and aid eligibility. On very rare occasions a student's situation may need to be reviewed more closely for possible adjustment.
In cases where a student is in an abusive family situation, which creates extreme hardship, a dependency override may be considered by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Documented child abuse cases, release into DHS or court custody, or current parental incarceration are some examples of extreme situations that can be considered for an override. Such situations should be documented by two non-family sources and should involve a total abandonment by the parents from all emotional, financial and physical support for the student.
Note that the factors below do not make a student eligible for a dependency override by themselves.
- Parental willingness to give information or financial help to student
- Whether or not the parents claim the student on their federal tax return
- Whether or not the student lives with the parent and
- Whether or not the student pays all their own expenses
To have a Dependency Override request considered,
students should supply the following:
- A letter written by the student requesting consideration as an independent student. This is to clearly explain their relationship with their parents and detail how the family structure has been completely dissolved.
- Completed FAFSA form or a Student Aid Report (SAR) if the initial aid application has already been submitted.
- Copy of current year completed federal tax return for student showing sufficient income to have paid for all expenses.
- At least two supporting letters submitted (preferably on letterhead) from independent individuals or agencies validating the student's total breakdown in family structure. This may include, but is not limited to, letters from social services, foster-care givers, high school counselor, youth protection agency, church pastor, or copies of police records confirming abuse. Other documentation may be submitted as the student deems appropriate. Decisions are final so be clear in your explanation and supporting materials the first time.
Dependency Overrides are Significant.
They are essentially a request to shift the responsibility of paying for your education from your parents to the taxpayers. The government's expectation is that parents meet their own responsibility first. If parents choose to not help their children, their choice creates a great burden on the student, but does not justify by itself shifting their obligation to others. If it did, every parent would be wise to choose such an option. So dependency overrides are only approved for extreme cases that involve far more than parent or student choice.