Declaring independent on FAFSA?

Question

So prior to this semester, I was a dependent on FAFSA. My Mother (parents divorced) supported my tuition. I am not 21 years old and am on my own. I can't file for independent ONLY because I have parents? It's absurd. I don't even talk to either of my parents anymore so not only will it be impossible to get their tax information, it's absurd I'm considered dependent. How am I dependent if I don't even talk to them and they are not supporting me?

On top of that I have no credit history. In sheer irony, my mother told me not to get a credit card and to wait after college. Well it seems now that since I have no credit, I can't even get a bank loan. Obviously with no parents to co-sign a loan I am in the dark.

Is there anything I can do? I am about to drop out of school and file for unemployment and welfare because I can't pay for schooling or housing. FAFSA is a faulty system.

Answer 1

Yeah, it stinks doesn't it.  I couldn't get a loan or pell grant or anything for my first 2 years.

I had declared myself independent from my junior year in high school in preparation of going to college and getting grants...to no avail

Answer 2

The financial aid department at your school can declare you independent with an override, but it's used in very limited cases such as abuse, neglect, parents are homeless, student is a foster-child, etc. But, if you meet one of the qualifying circumstances you would be declared independent from your parents. The Dependency Override must be performed prior to the FAFSA being completed. You should contact the Financial Aid office at the school you plan to attend for further specifics. Here is a link that discusses the qualifying circumstances

http://www.finaid.org/educators/pj/depen...

Answer 3

I agree it's a faulty system, but there's nothing you can do because you can't be considered independent until you are 24 or married, whichever comes first...

Answer 4

you are most likely SOL as far as fin aid is concerned, unless you can convince your school that you are completely estranged from your parents.  for example, they have abused you and you have police reports or medical reports to back it up.  that is going to be very difficult since your Mom was recently paying your tuition.  If you REALLY are not speaking to them because of some horrible offense they have committed, then meet with your fin aid dept at school and try to be declared independent.  you will need some proof though of your estrangement from your parents.  FAFSA is not a faulty system either, that is just the way it works.  supply your parents info or get declared independent or forget about getting free money from the taxpayers