<p>For FAFSA the dependency tests are as follows:</p>
<ol>
<li>Are you 24 or over (turning 24 in 2009 counts)</li>
<li>Do you already have a bachelor’s degree
3 As of the date you will be submitting the FAFSA, are you married? (Answer yes if you are separated, but not divorced.)
3.Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you, or do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you
4.Are you an orphan or ward of the court or were you a ward of the court until age 18?<br>
5.Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?<br>
6.Are you currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces for other than training purposes?</li>
</ol>
<p>If you can answer YES to any of the questions you are independent for FAFSA. If not you are dependent.</p>
<p>Whether you are claimed as a dependent on a tax return is NOT relevant for FAFSA. For instance last year we did not claim my 21 year old as a dependent on taxes because he paid most of his own support but he was still a dependent for FAFSA. (opposite scenario to you)</p>