How do I petition to be an independent on my FAFSA?

Question

I was kicked out of home, fully support myself, and have little to no contact with my parents. I was told that I can petition for an independent status on my FAFSA. How do I do this?

Answer 1

I agree, petitioning to be independent is something that is only done on VERY extreme conditions and with court documents to prove it.

Answer 2

Getting a professional judgment for your FAFSA is going to be impossible based on the situation you shared.

There has to be proof that a parent is incarcerated, dead, abusive, etc.  Normally it takes 2-3 letters of support from outside sources to verify this, it would also include death certificates, court documents, etc.

Just because you don't get along with your parents does not make you 'independent' for education purposes.

I'm sorry that doesn't help you out much, but any Financial Aid Director worth their salt is going to deny you.

Answer 3

If you find out, please do let me know. I have NEVER heard of such things being successfully done.

If it were possible, wouldn't all students from high-income families petition to get pell grants they would not otherwise be eligible for?