Can you submit FAFSA without parental participation?

Question

I'm 23 and fully support myself, but the FAFSA still asks for parent's SS# and income, which my dad will not provide. Is there any way to omit that section. What if you absolutely cut ties with your parents and have no means of communication with them? Anyone else have this issue? Thanks for your time :)

Answer 1

unless you are 24 or older, married, have kids you support or a couple of other things you HAVE to provide parents information.   No way around it.  You can't get federal aid without it.  Call him and tell him you need it (federal regulations) and by him providing it is in no way obligating him to help you pay for school.  On the contrary, him providing it allows you to pay for school on your own.

Answer 2

I've always wondered that myself.  Well, if you have kids or if you're in the Military, then they can omit that section.  Since you fully support yourself and live away from home, I think they will be able to.  But there's no getting around talking to a financial advisor at your school about this.  I'm sure they can't s***w you over completely just because you and your dad ain't talking.  That wouldn't be fair.

Answer 3

When applying for financial aid, you are considered either dependent or independent. Students considered dependent on their parents are required to submit financial information about their family.

You are automatically considered independent for the 2008-2009 award year if you are 24 or older as of December 31, 2008. If you are under 24, you will be considered independent if you are:

-A graduate or professional student.

-Married.

-A student with legal dependents other than a spouse.

-A veteran of U.S. Armed Forces.

-An active duty member of the U.S. armed forces (not for training purposes)

-An orphan or ward of court.

-Classified by your financial aid administrator as independent because of unusual circumstances.

Appeals

If you think you should be independent because of unusual circumstances, even though you normally would be considered dependent, talk to the financial aid administrator at the school you're attending or wish to attend. The aid administrator can change your status to independent if he or she believes your status warrants it. That decision is based on his or her judgment and is final.

Answer 4

Double check on filing as an independent student.  If you can't do this you should be able to get an exception from you financial aid office that will allow you to omit this information.  Call your financial aid office, they should be able to give you the info you need.