I'm 18. If i get emancipation from my parents would that declare me as independent on my fafsa?

Question

I'm 18. If i get emancipation from my parents would that declare me as independent on my fafsa?

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

You're 18, you CAN'T be emancipated.

Emancipation is a term that describes a child under eighteen being legally declared their own guardian and conservator.

To be considered an independent adult, you have to have been a ward of the state when you turned 18, currently married or divorced or have a child or children of your own.

You can check with the financial aid office at the school you plan on attending. Big surprise, but the financial aid officers at the colleges/universities can help you, they have the ability to make some independent decisions regarding your financial aid package.

Answer 2

Emancipation and dependency on the FAFSA are separete issues.

For education purposes, you are considered dependent until you reach the age of 24 or until you can answer 'Yes' to any of the following 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)?  

Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward or dependent of the court (question 53)?  



Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training (question 54)?  

Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (question 55)?  

I'm guessing your answers will be 'No' so you will have to use your parents information on your FAFSA as well.

Good Luck

Answer 3

nope...usually the only way to do this is if you have dependents....(children)--this applies even if you live on your own

Answer 4

I think it would but I would check with FAFSA just to make sure.

Answer 5

You are 18, you cannot be emancipated now.  You will have to include your parents information on the FAFSA.  You would have had to have been a ward of the court prior to your 18th birthday.