At any time since the age of 13, if you were a ward or dependent of the court, you are independent student for financial aid purposes. If documentation is requested on your
Priority Tasks on
My ASU, upload court documentation regarding your ward of the court or dependent of the court status.
Guidance:• A ward of the court is when a court has assumed legal custody of an individual under the age 18.
• In some states, the court may impose its authority over a juvenile who remains in the legal custody of their parents; such a student is
not a ward of the court.
• Incarceration of a student
does not qualify him/her as a ward of the court.
• In some states, the phrase ward of the state is used. This is considered the same as a ward of the court for dependency status as long as the student is a ward of the state not due to incarceration.
If you selected this status in error, upload a signed statement indicating an error was made. If this is the only status that is making you independent for FAFSA purposes, you must correct your
FAFSA and include parent information and
FSA ID signature.
Need additional help? Access 24/7 live chat, create a case from
My ASU Service Center or call 855-278-5080.
