The dependency appeal process allows a student who has extenuating circumstances to appeal to be considered independent, even though they do not meet any of the independent student criteria on the FAFSA. An appeal committee will review the appeal and supporting documentation.

How do you write a dependency override letter?

Personal letter of appeal written by the student to include the following information: a) Reason for requesting a dependency override. b) Explanation of why parental (mother & father) information cannot be provided on the FAFSA. c) Date (month and year) of last contact had with each biological parent.

How do you start a dependency override letter?

How do I know if I’m independent or dependent?

If you filed a tax return and checked the box that you can be claimed as a dependent by someone else, then you are a dependent. If you did not check that box, then you are independent.

How do you apply for a dependency override?

To apply for a dependency override, contact the college’s financial aid office. You can request a dependency override at any time, even in the middle of the academic year. The financial aid office can ask you to complete a form or to submit a letter along with documentation of the unusual circumstances. Documentation is essential.

Can a dependency override make a student eligible for financial aid?

This can make a student eligible for more financial aid, since parent income and asset information is no longer required on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Dependency overrides are rare and occur in unusual circumstances.

When does a dependency override occur in finaid?

Dependency overrides occur in one direction, from dependent to independent. Because of the way section 480 (d) (7) of the Higher Education Act is written, financial aid administrators may not change a student from independent to dependent.

How many students are independent because of dependency override?

An analysis of the 2007-08 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) suggests that only 0.5% of undergraduate students (0.9% of undergraduate students under age 24 as of December 31 of the award year) are independent because of a dependency override.