Dependency Status?

Question

I am just making a note here of how stupid is the procedure that FAFSA uses to figure out your dependency status, listen to this, "if you answer NO to questions 48-55 than you are considered a dependent for financial aid purposes". Now lets look at the questions:

Were you born before January 1, 1985 (question 48)?

At the beginning of the school year 2008-2009 will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.) (question 49)?

As of today are you married? (Answer "Yes" if you are separated, but not divorced.) (question 50)

Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you (question 51)?

Do you have dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009 (question 52)?

Answer 1

I totally agree with you, and I think the Department of Education would avoid a lot of confusion by renaming these "classifications" to something more relevant to what they are.  

Example: A person would answer those 8 questions and either be classified as Type A or B, Red or Blue, Owl or Bear.  Any and all of those examples have just as much relevance as the words "Dependent" or "Independent".

The words Dependent and Independent are misleading and the definitions of these words (as you so eloquently pointed out) actually has nothing to do with one being financially dependent or independent.

Always remember, there is no "Cents" in financial aid!

Good luck.

Answer 2

i agree with you completely and i am having a problem with this right now too BUT - if you talk with someone at the financial aid office of the school you are planning to go to, they might be able to work something out on an individual basis. the fafsa is just a guideline i think and the school can award you financial aid based on stuff not in the fafsa. worth a try...

Answer 3

I agree! Points against you: you are young, you are not stupid enough to get married, you have not gotten knocked up (this is a bit crude sorry).

I had a friend that was 21 and wanted to go back to college but her parents and her did not speak so she could not apply for financial aid because she did not have their income information and even if she did have that-they made money (none of which she received).  So no school for her-not fair at all!

There needs to be a different process in regards to figuring out the dependency status.

Good luck!