FAFSA: Determining Your Dependency Status

[@shaniceshipp8677]

the fasfa is horribly flawed for students who dont have a relatioship with their parents and have nothing to do with them. why the hell is the government going to assume my parent will contribute to me?!

[@succeedwithdrive2325]

Have you spoken with a FAFSA rep? I'm curious to hear how they responded.

[@ccs20107566]

I mean if there is no relationship or contact especially, the school financial aid office should be able to help with that

[@viviansanchez9857]

legally they have to, if not and they absolutely will not give tax info you go to a judge and theyll declare you independent ! could vary by state and it is an annoying hurdle, but since most young people dont have a history with money and credit thats why they push the parents info so hard :/

[@thiaguinhogameplays]

Exactly!

[@shaniceshipp8677]

I got the dependency override. Gather all the evidence you can.

[@TheShanejordan]

Finally, a Facebook ad that was actually helpful!

[@masonthompsonrice]

That's BS! The things that place you in the dependent category is wack! Makes no sense because so many people who go to college don't "depend" on anyone! You can turn in the fafsa without parental info but you the student get punished and stuck with loans that build interest. Something needs to change, I think the age should change to 19 or 20

[@pattimoses7054]

The Department of Education requires you to be at least 24 year old before you can be deemed an independent student. Some exceptions apply such as if you are married or have a child or both or if you have been legally emancipated from your parents. The IRS allows a parent to claim the student as a dependent on their Federal Income taxes until that student is 24 yrs old as long as they are in full time college. Because of the fact that that parent has the "opportunity" to claim the student as a dependent for tax purposes, the Department of Education requires reporting of parental income until the student is 24 yrs old. I hope this helps explain (one of the reasons) why you cannot be independent from parental income unless you are 24 yrs old.

[@dangerak1535]

Bro there is litterally a global pandemic ontop of ww3 poppin off. Let me get that money

[@michellemarie1197]

You forgot that both parents being deceased or if you were in foster care tul age 18, also qualifies you to be an independent student

[@milliegeo1342]

Please make an updated video for the 24/25 FAFSA changes and discuss the Dependency status in relation to "Contributors".

[@davidhartsock7438]

When I went to college in the late 80's my mother had to provide financial information and she did not contribute to my education but I think this only gets some sort of number that will be sent to your financial aid office so they can calculate your funding ( grants, loans etc.) but, if you are over 18 which I was, I was the only one responsible for repayment of the loan. Now 2022 at the age of 55 yrs. I have entered college to earn a degree. Lucky for me I am only going for an AAS degree and I will not need to take out a loan, my Pell grants, scholarships from my local college and thanks to Previous Governor Bill Haslam The state of Tennessee has a last dollar for anyone to get an associates degree or a certificate for some fields which last dollar means, after all of the financial Aid is awarded and in money left to be paid to the school will most likely be paid by TN Reconnect. I love the Drive to 55 campaign that Haslam started wanting 55%+ of TN residents to have a college degree and since the program started you can tell a difference in the jobs and types of jobs that are n our area.

[@kourtneyolivas3529]

This is bullshit. I have my own income, I pay my own bills, I should qualify! My parents have their own stuff to worry about. I hate this part of America. Nobody can afford anything anymore.

[@shelovesairjordan]

Great video but one thing I can't understand is why is the age 24 when some people have parents that say you are a adult and you don't need my information, you're independent, etc. My mom is like this and she insists I don't need her info when I know I do. When I show her this vid, I'll see what happens. She needs to understand I do need her info to go to school and receive financial aid. I do think the age should be lowered to at least 20 for the dependency status.

[@nerdlingeeksly5192]

shelovesairjordan I know I'm struggling with the same problem I'm 21 my parents are divorced and my dad says the same as your mom and I live completely on my own with no support and I still can't qualify for the fasfa it's like the government is deliberately trying to make going to college more difficult

[@thiaguinhogameplays]

20? It should be lowered to 17!

[@pattimoses7054]

The Department of Education requires you to be at least 24 year old before you can be deemed an independent student. Some exceptions apply such as if you are married or have a child or both or if you have been legally emancipated from your parents. The IRS allows a parent to claim the student as a dependent on their Federal Income taxes until that student is 24 yrs old as long as they are in full time college. Because of the fact that that parent has the "opportunity" to claim the student as a dependent for tax purposes, the Department of Education requires reporting of parental income until the student is 24 yrs old. I hope this helps explain (one of the reasons) why you cannot be independent from parental income unless you are 24 yrs old.

[@Fstop313]

Doesn't adulthood start at 18? What about the people who move out at 18, who work and support themselves. Why does it start at 24?

[@pattimoses7054]

The Department of Education requires you to be at least 24 year old before you can be deemed an independent student. Some exceptions apply such as if you are married or have a child or both or if you have been legally emancipated from your parents. The IRS allows a parent to claim the student as a dependent on their Federal Income taxes until that student is 24 yrs old as long as they are in full time college. Because of the fact that that parent has the "opportunity" to claim the student as a dependent for tax purposes, the Department of Education requires reporting of parental income until the student is 24 yrs old. I hope this helps explain (one of the reasons) why you cannot be independent from parental income unless you are 24 yrs old.

[@JohnSBodle]

Explanation wasn't clear enough. Am now doing hard labor in Chinese reeducation camp. Need additional information.

[@jennieheinberg6056]

This is terrible for anyone who's 18yrs old and is also financially independent. I remember when I finally turned 24 yrs old but that wasn't enough because when I completed the FAFSA the tax year that was being requested was when I was under 24. I waited until I was 25 yrs old because then the tax info year that was requested would be when I was 24yrs old. Too many years and potential wasted because my parents refused to give me any of their info.

[@jakebrown4305]

My parents have refused to sign my fasfa for almost 6 years now. I graduated in 2016 and was extremely motivated to go get an education and my abusive parents just flat out refused to sign it and told me to either shut up about or leave with the clothes on my back. (wasn't allowed to drive or even own a cell phone until I was almost 19.) Zero life skills or prospects. They just flat out refused to listen or speak to any of my counselors. The amount of damage and pain these past years have caused me is unreal. I had 6 years of my life stolen from me where I was flat out unable to attend any collages or career schools. and I am in a worse position now turning 24 this month than the average 18 year old fresh out of high school. I wish my parents burn in hell as well as this system forces young academically minded people like me from broken homes to suffer senselessly and cruelly.

[@dalyssilva3261]

Son, I don’t know who you are, but your story broke my heart!! I’m a mother of three beautiful girls that I know for sure they need my help, economically or emotionally. And knowing there are outside many kids like you that didn’t have their parents’ support to do certain things to accomplish their goals in school makes me sad. I just want to tell you, son, don’t give up, fight for what you want , and work hard to finish school. You can do it!!!! And forgive your parents, don’t judge them..pray for them,and ask God the Lord to give you peace in you heart and love to love them, and keep going… Might God bless you and guide you. Be a good person, do the right thing all the time, forgive and forget, and keep yourself in the right direction so at the end of the day, you don’t regret of the things you didn’t do right. Blessings and Jesus Christ Loves you!!!

[@jakebrown4305]

@@dalyssilva3261 Thanks for responding, your words mean alot. Well now that I'm too old to be required to provide my parents income information and signature, I have been able to start my freshman year of underagrad. Even though I am here I can barely affort and I'll be pushing 30 by the time I graduate. I wanted to be a doctor, so starting young was important, but after 4 years of undergrad, 4 of medical school, 4 years of residence, not starting a career until my late 30s doesn't seem fisable. I managed to be able to join the army right before 23. I orignally tried at 19 years old to escape the family requirement on the fasfa, but I herniated several discs in my spine in a freak accident and the pain and hopelessness of my situation almost caused me to commit suicide, so it took years on end to actual be able to get a waiver and enlist. Now that I am in the reserves I do get a full ride to a small local college. I don't know what to say, it sucks, i would have graduated at 22 like everyone else, but I didn't. I don't fit in with anyone and barely make ends meet. I still feel like a kid but I need to suck up to the fact I'm in my mid 20s now, a grown ass man with absoultely fucking nothing. If a single other parent who refuses to sign their childs FASFA ever reads this, I beg them to listen to me.

[@dalyssilva3261]

@@jakebrown4305 Remember son, it’s never late to star something new, and I’m pretty sure you will accomplish all your goals. I know life it’s not easy son, but you know what? Good can help you to give you strength to continue and give you peace and confident known that whatever seem imposible for humans, for him everything is posible. I’ll be praying for you Jake, so God guide you in your path and open doors of opportunities for you!! Just believe it!!! Keep going son even when things seem imposible; never give up!!! Youl’ll be the doctor that you want yo be!! No matter if it takes more time if the on it supposed to take. The winner is not the one who gets at the end line first, it’s the one that even the circumstances and the obstacles that are in their path, they go above and beyond to get to the finish line, and that it’s going to be you!!! I believe it!! Jesús loves you!!!🙏 Blessings!!!

[@shaniceshipp8677]

Go to Western governors. Major in something useful and something your decent at. Cybersecurity comes with certs. You can get a job in tech with the certificates while in school.

[@shaniceshipp8677]

People are graduating quickly with less debt. It's accredited.

[@juliaeaster4384]

Why do I have to provide my step fathers information? He doesn’t provide anything for me and he is a sexual predator

[@BrowdisThomas-ly2pj]

Because if they make a choice of living situations your rights as them not being responsible for your needs leaves you to use your own personal options like if your feeling unsafe in dangerous conditions

[@dpalomo2265]

What a load of bullshit! so I can't claim my child on my taxes for the earned income because she's already 17/18 but yet she's not an independent adult to fill out her own FAFSA, even though she works full time, lives in her own apartment, pays for her own bills?? Doesn't that make her an independent adult??? I can't access any of her school records or medical records because she's an adult but FAFSA still wants to give her as little money as possible basing it off MY taxes?!?!?! This is all so that she gets as little free money as possible, accumulates interest baring loans and then they charge and tax her on the loans for the rest of her life!!! Big companies living of these kids backs and our taxes. WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING ALONG WITH THIS???

[@dalyssilva3261]

Great 👍 well said!!!

[@WickWickWACK]

You claim your child until 24yrs old if they are a enrolled as a full-time student. So stop. The amount of time it took you to type all that just to bitch about something, you could've enrolled her in a college by then. Or at least fact find

[@DelaxCom]

If i watched this channel video before, i could have chosen a different school based on my future financial status. Please help make this channel popular, for people interested in FAFSA absolutely need to know this information.

[@LInDeeSixties]

I found out AFTER I married at age 20, and was finally free from my parents’ claim (against my stated wishes ) of my dependency status with IRS and on my FAFSA form (although I received no money from them for tuition, books, room and board, and/or any Education/Living expense from them), that my tuition, books, and fees were 100% covered because of my INDEPENDENT financial status and grades. Had my parents not CONTRIBUTED to claiming me, I would have been 2 years of college paid for. Many families struggled. If the financial aid system required parents to provide receipts of their contribution, it might help

[@BrowdisThomas-ly2pj]

Okay I was trying to fill this out when I got stuck in the middle of that circumstances of confusion not allowing me to finish the process because of unknown reasons

[@WickWickWACK]

Bc the weren't allowing anyone to finish/submit while they made revisions to policy and forms for this year. They just announced that it will be open on 12/23

[@cathyvolpe2333]

The FAFSA is flawed for a lot of people including those who stay married, work hard, pay 100% of their medical plan (with no rx coverage and $10,000 per family deductible), have a bit of money saved for an emergency (shouldn't do that, should lose house or claim bankruptcy instead- no worries that's gone was used for "adult" child's tuition ), have another child who isn't in college yet (he's 4 years younger so, as all parents know, he doesn't cost us any money to support), and don't have a company supported retirement for both parents (ages 57 and 59) so they have investments outside of Roth IRA (note- that's not allowed because that money should be spent on their child's education or the parents are terrible people even though they provide medical care, car insurance, cell phone service, food, and a home to their 19 year old "adult" child. The parents can work until they are 90 or eat oatmeal once a day and wear their Depends for multiple days). Note: not all individuals who fall within the $125k limit for pell grant qualify. Infact, your expected family contribution (EFC) can be all of the college expenses except for the $5k that your child can pay by taking out a non subsidized loan that will accrue interest from the inception date, 🎉🎉. What a wonderful opportunity! Don't assume that parents are terrible people because they won't (can't) pay their childs college expenses. College costs have sky rocketed. I don't recall the cost of college for my undergrad. My parents did help me because we didnt qualify for assitance and we weren't rich, they just saved (also had full medical coverage through work w/$5 copay and full rx coverage). I was able to pay half of expenses and have spending money for year by saving 1/2 of what I earned over the summer. I paid grad school by taking out govt subsidized (interest defered) loans and the full bill for that was $10-$12k. Now undergrad tuition and housing at a lower cost 4 year school is at least $20,000. I don't understand what we're doing in this country by making college so financially burdening. How are we going to continue to compete as a nation if no one can afford college? I don't expect handouts but an interest defferred loan option wouldn't be that much to ask. It would give our youth who want an education a fair chance in getting one. If they maintian full time status and get acceptable grades they keep their deferment status. I'm not a bad person because I can't (won't) take out a loan for my child's education that will immediately bear interest or risk putting myself in the "poor house" over his education. I also, can't (with good conscious) have him take out nonsubsidized loans, he will never get out of debt or be able to buy a house. So making just under or over $125k puts him (us) at a terrible disadvantage, or as some have put it, makes my husband and I terrible people since we can't find the magical money tree to pay for his school. 😢

[@WickWickWACK]

Pssh...do all that AFTER your husband walked out on you and your 4 kids. You're vent is understanding and really only sounds like you could use a break ir a Facebook account. And i thoughtall parents say 'whats college? ', not mine. I learned all about finances and college whilst aiding my 4th child into a full ride to colleges of choice based on suitability, merits and scholarships ONLY. Just waiting on FAFSA to open for that chump change to cover books and possibly anything left in her pocket. But she aint even done with scholarships, she wants more..(.bc as im sure you already know, their unlimited ) Maybe her driving force to put in leg work is to get out. She's felt rich and she's felt poor. She wants more.❤

[@nataliamojicarojas142]

This video does not have the complete information about dependency. There are other cases where students may be considered independet or provisionally independent when they are not living with their parents or guardians.

[@kemetsun42]

Awesome! Neatly & accurately explain - great job DOE

[@devontejackson6009]

i am find the fafsa

[@jamirichardson6855]

If I am 25 years old and an independant, do I have to have my parents as contributors?

[@cooper197]

What if I’m unsure if I was in foster care after 13? I have been in foster care 3 times and the last time was somewhere between 11-13 and I’m unsure so I clicked it and my fafsa was processed as independent and wasn’t flagged. Am I good?

[@Maaaurice-w1i]

Does anyone know if you can start the application and then return and have your work saved? Curious because if one doesn't know how to fill a section you'll need time to ask.

[@WickWickWACK]

Yes

[@BrowdisThomas-ly2pj]

Okay if your out of your parents living situation your not even responsible for there choices of what they use for discussion making

[@sandreotti1]

Love this site it's very informative

[@musicgirl999]

I'm 23 and will be 24 in March next year and I have divorced parents. Would I considered independent, or dependent if I have to give FAFSA one of my parent's information?

[@pattimoses7054]

If your parents are divorces, you may use the parent that originally had custody of you. You do not have to use the non custodial parent income information.

[@WickWickWACK]

If they were smart and civil, and looking out for you; they would allow (either of them), whomever made less income for the year, to claim you on their tax refund. Just like earned income eligibility for IRS, FAFSA gives more for the lesser income. And your parents should then work out any kinks or whatevs betqeen them to make it fair and balanced. FAFSA only needs the 1 yr of income bc you need yo redo yearly if still edumacating yourself. It does not matter which parent was/wasnot the custodial or prior yrs IRS claims, and does not care whats agreed in a divorce decree. ,OR will it hold your parents financially responsible to ever pay money ever. Those are the other guys...loans. fafsa is a grant. Grants are free and have no terms. Even if you drop out.

[@rajnicapoor0]

Awesome I learned Thanks

[@dalyssilva3261]

Thank you!! Very helpful!!😁

[@ryanmurray5506]

Why the hell do parents have to be financially responsible at age 24??

[@pattimoses7054]

The Department of Education requires you to be at least 24 year old before you can be deemed an independent student. Some exceptions apply such as if you are married or have a child or both or if you have been legally emancipated from your parents. The IRS allows a parent to claim the student as a dependent on their Federal Income taxes until that student is 24 yrs old as long as they are in full time college. Because of the fact that that parent has the "opportunity" to claim the student as a dependent for tax purposes, the Department of Education requires reporting of parental income until the student is 24 yrs old. I hope this helps explain (one of the reasons) why you cannot be independent from parental income unless you are 24 yrs old.

[@WickWickWACK]

Look up your answer. But not here.

[@WickWickWACK]

The IRS allows you to claim a student on tax return up age 24yr. Neither Irs nor fafsa state student cannot be living on their own

[@Evolve_-]

Im 23 and have been on my own for 2 years and they still consider me an independent. I know you get more aid for being an independent, so this actually isnt fair

[@SandraVickers-pi6gq]

Need. Help please

[@pattimoses7054]

The Department of Education requires you to be at least 24 year old before you can be deemed an independent student. Some exceptions apply such as if you are married or have a child or both or if you have been legally emancipated from your parents. The IRS allows a parent to claim the student as a dependent on their Federal Income taxes until that student is 24 yrs old as long as they are in full time college. Because of the fact that that parent has the "opportunity" to claim the student as a dependent for tax purposes, the Department of Education requires reporting of parental income until the student is 24 yrs old. I hope this helps explain (one of the reasons) why you cannot be independent from parental income unless you are 24 yrs old.

[@Jake-hz8oi]

In order for the parents to claim the child, they must meet 5 requirements, not just under 24 and ft student. The most important one in this case is providing over 50% of there support. A student that provides more than 50% doesn't qualify to be a dependent. The reason why they want you to get the parents information is because you can amend 3 yrs of tax returns. This is why they want you to be emancipated.

[@BossChronicles]

:( I won't qualify for Blue/Gold opportunity cause I'm older than 24 bullshit

[@microwave_yt1951]

hi steven

[@ericsolano7271]

Wow, I should apply for the FAFSA twice! So I can get twice the money :)

[@anthonybarr2549]

Eric Solano That’s fraud but okay...

[@charlessteadman9642]

It's ya boi

[@karencooper6011]

Your not my boy!

[@malikaalashell7277]

1ST

[@dmana3172]

I would rather be a dependent. Independent sucks!

[@WickWickWACK]

Same

[@microwave_yt1951]

My friend dallas hit me