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 Dependent vs. Independent? 


This page is designed to help you determine if you need to complete the FAFSA as a dependent or independent student. Answer the questions below to find out. Once you press the 'Submit' button below, your responses to these questions will direct you to the correct FAFSA filing status.

Q1.   Were you born before January 1, 1990?

Q2. As of today, are you married? (Also answer "Yes" if you are separated but not divorced.)

Q3. At the beginning of the 2013–2014 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate, etc.)?

Q4. Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training? If you are a National Guard of Reserves enlistee, are you on active duty for other than state or training purposes?

Q5. Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

Q6. Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014?

Q7. 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, 2014?

Q8. At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?

Q9. As determined by a court in your state of legal residence, are you or were you an emancipated minor?

Q10. As determined by a court in your state of legal residence, are you or were you in legal guardianship?

Q11. At any time on or after July 1, 2012, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?

Q12. At any time on or after July 1, 2012, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?

Q13. At any time on or after July 1, 2012, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

  


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