Fafsa help?

Question

okay i'm getting ready to file my fafsa...BUT....... i went to the 'determine your dependency' link and answered all the questions and it came back with the decision that i am dependent. however, i am 20 years old, i have lived on my own since i was 16, i make my own money, i rent my own house, i pay my own bills, file my own taxes, and have literally zero contact with my parents........what am i supposed to do??

Answer 1

You must have your parent's information.  This is a typical arugment, but until the rules are changed, it doesn't matter how you file taxes, where you live or what you make, you are required to have your parent's tax information to complete the FAFSA.  Make sure to explain to them that this is not an agreement to pay anything, it is actually a way for you to get funding for school without them :-)

They are not required to sign any Master Promissory Notes, and they will not have to offer a dime if they choose not to.  If they have any questions, either have them contact your FAO on campus, or contact the dept of ed directly at 800-433-3243.  They will explain everything just as I have.  

Best of luck in your education

Answer 2

You do need to have your parents fill out the FAFSA unless there are extreme circumstances as to why you have lived on your own since you were 16.  For example, abuse or abandonment that can be documented.  If this is the case, take your documentation to the Financial Aid Office at the school where you plan to attend and find out what their appeal process is.  Legal emacipation alone is not grounds for a dependency override.

Good luck.

Answer 3

You are suppose to call your parents and ask them for the info off thier taxes so you can fund college by yourself without their help.  

All folks under 24 have to do this who the Dept of Education considers dependent have to do this.  It doesn't matter where you live, who claims (or does not claim) who on what tax form. It doesn't even matter that you don't expect any money from them.  You still need thier info UNLESS you were emancipated as a teen or were legally adopted by someone else.  In the case of legal adoption, you would then put those great folks info.

Good luck.