Dependency Questions
There are a total of 13 questions that the FAFSA® form asks to determine your dependency. Answering “no” to all of the dependency questions on the FAFSA® form means that you are considered a dependent student. If you answer “yes” to even one of the questions, you will be considered an independent student.
Make sure you answer these questions honestly to ensure that your FAFSA® is processed properly. Keep in mind that the questions may change slightly from year to year. For example, the year for the birth date question changes each year.
The questions you will need to answer for the 2020-21 FAFSA® form are:
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Will you be at least 24 years old on December 31st of the academic year for which you are applying for aid? (很多人边打工边在CC混到24岁再转入大学，也是这个动机。偶广州移民的外侄女和男友就是这样。不到30已经是旧金山的地主了。金山自主房，远东湾出租，有个1岁孩子。而同代人还在合租，尽管是啥大藤名校啥经理之类的）
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As of today, are you married? （早恋早婚是有好处地！）
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Are you working on a master’s or doctorate program?
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Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces for purposes other than training?
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Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?
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Do you now have, or will you have, children who will receive more than half of their support from you during the school year for which you are applying for aid?
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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, now and through June 30, 2020?
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Are both of your parents deceased, with one of your parents passing after you turned 13?
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Were you in Foster Care or declared a ward of the court at any time since turning 13?
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Has it been determined by a court in your state of legal residence that you are an emancipated minor or that someone other than your parent or stepparent has legal guardianship of you?
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At any time on or after July 1, 2016, were you determined to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, as determined by your high school or district homeless liaison, the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program?
Determining whether you are a dependent student or independent student is an important part of filing FAFSA® and getting your financial aid. These questions allow the financial aid department to classify you properly and ensure that you get the right funding for your education.
