How Do I Determine What Parent to Use on My FAFSA?

Your parents are married to each other: 

• Provide information for both of them, regardless of whether your parents are of the same or opposite sex.

Your parents are living together AND are not married: 

• Provide information for both of them, regardless of whether your parents are of the same or opposite sex.

Your parents are NOT living together AND never married:

• Provide information for the parent that provided the most financial support during the last 12 months.
• If your parents provided equal financial support, provide information from the parent who has the greater income and assets. 

Your parent is widowed:

• Provide information for your surviving parent.
• If your widowed parent is remarried as of the day you sign the FAFSA, you must also provide your stepparent's information on the FAFSA.

Your parents are divorced or separated and NOT living together:

• Provide information for the divorced parent that provided the most financial support over the past 12 months. 
• If the divorced parent that you lived with most has remarried as of the day you sign the FAFSA, you must also provide your stepparent's information on the FAFSA.  

You lived equally with each divorced parent OR did not live with either divorced parent:

• Provide information for the divorced parent who provided the most financial support during the past 12 months, or during the most recent 12 months that you actually received support from a parent. For example, use the parent who claimed you on their tax return and/or provided you with medical insurance.
• If your divorced parent is remarried as of the day you sign the FAFSA, you must also provide your stepparent's information on the FAFSA.

Please note: The following people are not your parents, unless they have legally adopted you:

• grandparents
• foster parents
• legal guardians
• older brothers and sisters
• uncles and aunts

Related Article: Can I change the parent reported on my FAFSA after it is submitted?

Need additional help? Access 24/7 live chat, create a case from My ASU Service Center or call 855-278-5080.