Can my parents opt out of claiming me on their tax return so I can get a larger aid package?
Parents cannot opt out of claiming you on their tax return to get a larger financial aid package. Even if a student files their taxes separately from their parents, they may still be considered dependent on the FAFSA.
Which parent should I include on the FAFSA?
If your parents are married or unmarried yet still living together, use the financial information for both parents on the FAFSA. If your parents are divorced or separated and living apart, provide information on the parent that you lived with the most during the past 12 months. If you split time equally between two households, the parent who provided the most financial support during the last 12 months will need to include their information on the FAFSA.
What if my parents refuse to provide information for the FAFSA?
For a variety of reasons, parents occasionally refuse to provide information to complete the FAFSA, but this does not mean the student is independent. Students should check the box on the FAFSA that says they don't have access to their parents' information, and talk with the financial aid offices for each school they’re applying to about their options. There are special circumstances that schools take into consideration, such as incarcerated parents or students who left home because of an abusive situation.
What is a FAFSA dependency override, and how do I qualify?
Even if you’re considered dependent on the FAFSA, there may be instances in which you’re unable to provide information about your parents. If this is the case, you can apply for a dependency override, which is a status granted by a school’s financial aid office that allows you to exclude your parents’ information from the FAFSA.
To qualify for a dependency override, you need to meet certain criteria, and have the documentation to back up your claim. Keep in mind each school likely has its own documentation requirements and application process.