Parents filed me as dependent on taxes, now im independent, need to file FAFSA but dont fall under catagory..?

Question

So i was living with my parents and they payed for college and living and everything before, but now I am moving in with my aunt and paying her rent and my own tuition, living expenses, etc. I am about to file my FAFSA because i definitely need aid, but i dont fall under the independent catagory...

what do i do?

also, it asks if someone other than children get more than half of their support from me..if they havent before but will now, do i use that? for example, i havent lived with my aunt before, but now that i am i will be providing more than half of her support..should i be able to claim that?

its not for sure that i will be paying more than half of her support though, so consider this 2 different questions..

what are the best things to put on my fafsa to get more aid?

thanks!

Answer 1

If you were to sit down and fill out the FAFSA today you must be able to answer 'YES' to one of the following questions:

Dependency Status Worksheet

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)?

If you can only answer 'NO' to the above questions, you are considered 'Dependent' for education purposes.  These are federal regulations.  Answer the questions honestly and they will tell you which category you are in.

Based on the information provided by you, I wouldn't consider you independent.  I'm sorry, I know that's wasn't the answer you wanted. :(

Good Luck to you.

Answer 2

The terms "dependent" and "independent" with regards to federal fin aid have NOTHING to do with you actually supporting yourself, where you live, or who claimed who on what tax form. (That would be too easy, it's the government after all).   You are independent only if you can answer YES to one or more of the following questions. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/fotw0...

The question about "dependents" is in reference to you supporting someone besides your biological child (like a foster child, adopted child, etc.) So it sounds like this would not pertain to you.

The best thing to put faffsur fafsa to get the most aid is THE TRUTH!

Good luck.

Answer 3

The question you are referring to under DEPENDENT reads as follows;

The student has dependents (other than a child or spouse) who recieve more than half their support from the student, and who also live with the student.

What that sounds like to me is "Dependents other than child or spouse" meaning "claiming on your taxes as a dependent" WHO you provide more than half their (your aunt) support. But now it states they live with you, not you with them.

Is there anyway at all you can talk to your parents, or aunt about this situation? I know you're trying to get the most aid, but i'm not sure, and I really wanted to try to help you.

If I were you, I would contact the financial aid office at the school you will be attending. They can give you more information.