I have to submit a paragraph to my financial aid director declaring my independency?

Question

Does this sound professional? Would you change anything?

Financial Aid Director,

As of March 2004 I have been living independently, working and supporting myself since I moved to California. My parents live in Tennessee and are considered disabled because they are hearing impaired. I have no means of contact with them and it would be almost impossible for me to reach them. I have had no financial support from my parents since I was 13 and lived with my aunt until I was 17.

I do not feel I should have to provide their information because I have no contact with them and even when living with them they barely provided any support for me. I don’t feel this should interfere with getting the education I deserve.

Answer 1

If you didn't have to prove anything about being 'independent', everyone would do it. The government sees that as a risk. Which is why students are considered dependent until the age of 24. Independent overrides are for unique situations - if all you've written is true, you may have a case. Document dates, locations, living arrangements, and get a statement from your Aunt saying you lived with her and whether or not she supported you. Any documentation proving your a resident of CA, and your parents live in TN would help. You should provide tax returns for the years in question, showing you had ample income to support yourself. If you are organized, have documents in order, and are professional about stating your case, I think it could work. But they do require you to jump through alot of hoops  - they don't want to make it too easy for the dishonest people out there. Realize the highest drop out rates are 18-20 yr olds, and the government doesn't want to give them a line of credit that they will not repay.

Answer 2

Did they require you submit this, or are you doing this just cause.  I can tell you that they don't care if your parents have nothing to do with your finances...if you aren't born before a certain date you are considered dependent.  Good Luck!

Answer 3

No it doesn't sound professional at all.

First, don't tell someone you "deserve" anything.  You are "eager" and "hopeful" and wanting to better yourself yada yada ....whatever.  The phrase "almost impossible" needs to be stronger or taken out totally.... "almost" is not good.

The letter doesn't have enough detail as to why you left your parents household to go to your aunts house and why and what contact you have had with them since.  Info on their current situation would be helpful.  On a side note, doesn't your Aunt know how to reach them?  If you can get documents such as court or police reports, reports from the school or state getting involved in your change of residence or legal status you need to include them as well.  Often attaching a letter from a school counselor or teacher or DHS worker helps tremendously.

PS: If your parents are truly disabled and have little or no income, you may be shooting yourself in the foot here.  Having low-income parents info on your fafsa would HELP you.   The alternative is being independent (with no dependents) and if you truly have been supporting yourself with a full time job, you aren't going to qualify for grants anyway.  They prob will offer you a bit more loan money though as an independent student.  Fun...

(Just my opinion,,, I'm not anyone particularly important)

Answer 4

I don't think you need to worry about sounding professional.  Your not taking a test or going on an interview here.  However, the documentation you are submitting needs to show certain things that justify your request (financial aid offices are audited).  Your statement does give any details about your estrangement from your parents.  You need to answer why and how and likely will need supporting evidence as well