What are the requirements for a college stdnt to be independent, ie not Dependant upon parents, for the FAFSA?

Question

So like, hypothetically if a kid could claim himself on his taxes could he claim himself as an independent for the FAFSA?

Answer 1

If you're not over 24, have children that require most of your income, have military experience, married, or working toward a degree higher than a bachelor's degree you are dependent and cannot file as independent.

Answer 2

Being dependent or independent on the fafsa has nothing to do with who files who on what tax form.  These are also just "designations" and should not really be interpreted as the literal definition of each word.  In theory they could be called Red and Blue or Robin and Bluejay and have just as much relevance to what they actually are.

To be classified as independent one must be able to answer YES to one or more of the following questions.

Were you born before January 1, 1985 (question 48)?   Select Yes No  

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)?   Select Yes No  

As of today are you married? (Answer "Yes" if you are separated, but not divorced.) (question 50)   Select Yes No  

Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you (question 51)?   Select Yes No  

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)?   Select Yes No  

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)?   Select Yes No  

Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training (question 54)?   Select Yes No  

Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (question 55)?   Select Yes No