Your answers to certain questions on the FAFSA determine whether you are considered a dependent or independent student. Your dependency status determines whose information you must report on the FAFSA.
- If you are a dependent student, you will report information for yourself and your parents.
- If you are an independent student, you will report information for yourself and your spouse (if married).
Dependency in the financial aid context are not related to anyone's tax filing status, whether you live with your parents, or whether your parents financially support you. Even if you are financially independent, the Department of Education will still consider you a dependent student as long as you answer no to all of these questions.
If you answer no to all of the questions at the above link but have certain unusual circumstances that would prevent you from providing parent information, you may be eligible for a Dependency Review.
Need additional help? Access 24/7 live chat, create a case from My ASU Service Center or call 855-278-5080.
