Dependency

Dependent or Independent Student

2009-2010 FAFSA Dependency Questions

These questions from the 2009-2010 FAFSA are used by the federal processor to determine, according to law, whether you are a dependent or an independent student for purposes of calculating an Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

If you answer NO to all of these questions, you are a dependent student, even if you do not live with your parents. A dependent student provides information about his or her parents on the FAFSA.

If you answer YES to any of these questions, you may be considered an independent student, and can then skip the FAFSA questions about parental income and information. Note that additional documentation may be required to confirm your status.

  • Were you born before January 1, 1986?
  • As of today, are you married? (Answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.)
  • At the beginning of the 2009–2010 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)?
  • Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
  • Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
  • Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010?
  • Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2010)?
  • When you were age 13 or older, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent/ward of the court?
  • As of today, are you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
  • As of today, are you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
  • At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
  • At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of an emergency shelter program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
  • At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

2008-2009 FAFSA Dependency Questions

These questions from the 2008-2009 FAFSA are used by the federal processor to determine, according to law, whether you are a dependent or an independent student for purposes of calculating an Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

  • Were you born before January 1, 1985?
  • At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)?
  • As of today, are you married?
  • Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
  • Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008?
  • Are both of your parents deceased or are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
  • Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
  • Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?