Including Parent Information on FASFA

Do I have to include my parents' information on the FAFSA if they don't support me financially?

Even if your parents don't support you financially, the government has specific criteria for determining independent status. These criteria include the following:

• Were you born before January 1, 1996 (for the 2019-2020 academic year)?

• Are you working on a master’s or doctorate program?

• As of the date you file the FAFSA, are you married?

• Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?

• Are you an orphan or ward/dependent of the court?

• Are you a veteran of the US Armed Forces?

• Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you?

If you answer yes to any of the above questions, you are considered independent and will not have to include your parents’ information.

If you answered no to all of the preceding questions, you are considered dependent and must include your parents' information.

However, if you feel there are extenuating circumstances in your case that are not taken into account by the previous criteria, you may contact our office with any questions.

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