Answer:
If a student does not think they should be considered dependent then they could possibly do an Independent Status Appeal.
Students less than 24 years old who have a special circumstance as defined by the U.S. Dept. of Education (this usually means a bad family situation) can file this appeal with the Financial Aid Office to have their FAFSA processed as an independent student.
Examples of a special circumstance:
- Separated due to abuse or neglect
- Parents have died or cannot be located
A special circumstance does NOT include:
- Parents do not support the student
- Student does not live with the parents
- Student is not claimed on parent taxes
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