Why is the age to be considered independant so high?

Question

I am 22 years old. I own two new cars, work in a great career, and own my own house.

I'm applying for the fafsa right now and they say that I'm a dependant. They want me to get my parents income and add it to my own.

Why, if I have lived by my own means for three years now, must I get my parents involved in order for me to go to school.

I can understand maybe 18 or 19 as some kids don't even graduate from high school until then. I have managed to drag myself from taking the bus, eating homemade flat bread, and living in a one bedroom apartment in the ghetto to where I am now in just three years.

Why should my parents circumstances have anything to do with my need for aid? I got here on my own, why would I use them now to go to school?

Where would I start to work for a change in this rule?

Is this a national thing or a state thing?

Is there already a campaign going to get this changed?

Answer 1

I believe it is a state thing, I have never personally heard of that, with you being 22, you are a legal adult. You should not have to add your parents income to yours at all. You are very well established, and I would certainly investigate this  company.

Answer 2

There is no campaign as of yet.  In response to another answer, I wouldn't recommend investigating this company.  It might take a while to investigate the Dept of Education.  But you can follow sound advice, like speaking to a local politician to offer a motion to form a sub committee to analyze the potential risk:benefit ratio of reducing the dependency standards.  

As for the current question, why?

Parents are awarded tax benefits for children in college up to the age of 24, if they can claim them.  In most cases, they can.  Child support rulings demand the non custodial parent pay child - support up to the age of 24 if the child remains in school for that period of time.  

It is a majority standard.  Should there be exeptions, yes.  Will there be?  I can't tell you.  There are too many people who try to con the system now by "misrepresenting" information.  I have seen it too many times.  Imagine if there were further "loopholes".  The government would not be able to even remotely regulate appropriate funding.  Everyone wants to get their piece, even if their family can afford the college.  They don't realize they are snatching it out of people's hands who don't have those opportunities.

I wish you luck in both your education and your endeavors.

Answer 3

This is a federal regulation so all US citizens must report parents income until they are 24 years old, married, have kids they support, become a veteran, earn a bachelors degree or are an orphan or ward of the court until the age of 18.  Here are the exact wording of the questions.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/fotw0...

It does not matter where you live, who claims who on what tax form, weather your parents intend to pay for your school or not, or even if they ever gave you a dime for anything.  Providing your parents income will not hinder you from getting financial aid.  Anyone is eligible for federal student loans regardless of income.  Chances are, if you own your own house, are making car payments, and work in a great career, you wouldn't qualify for grant money even WITHOUT your parents income so don't feel too bad.

All people must follow these rules.  If you wanted to start a movement against it I would recommend you contact your friendly neighborhood politician.

Good luck.  If you succeeded you might go down in the books as a financial aid hero!

Answer 4

Because they dont want to pay for it.

Even if you were considered independent, if you can afford two cars, you would get 0

Me and my wife made 30K per year and we do not qualify