Am I an independent or dependent student?

Paying for College
1

<p>Ever since I was 16, I lived with my aunt instead of my parents. It's not like my parents kicked me out or anything, I just wanted to live there. I work for my parents, and get $1,000 a month. I pay rent to my aunt and pay for food, books, etc. Am I an independent or dependent student? </p>

<p>I know this is a weird situation. I would explain why I am in this situation right now, but it's a long story. Will this effect my chance of getting financial aid? Which income do I go by? </p>

<p>Thanks! :)</p>

2

<p>Your parents can not have claimed you on taxes for 2 years.</p>

3

<p>suze: Just to clarify- So does that mean I am an independent student? Sorry, I am really confused about this thing...its so stressful </p>

<p>=D</p>

4

<p>I believe you are still a dependent student...unless there is something whereby they have given up their parental rights.</p>

5

<p>ok thanks. so which income do I report-my parents or myself?</p>

6

<p>When you apply for finaid using the FAFSA there are places for both parent(s) and student incomes. You might want to check with someone who has very good knowledge about your situation. My understanding is that for finaid purposes, it doesn't matter where you reside...that is not the acid test for independent vs. dependent student.</p>

7

<p>What I meant is that if your parents claimed you as a dependent on their tax returns, you need to report their income. A friend tried to prove she was independent, but her parents had claimed her.</p>

8

<p>It doesn't matter if you've been claimed on tax returns or lived with them. According to the government your not an independant student unless you're:</p>

<p>24 or older
a parent
married
a veteren
an orphan
or if there is legal evidence of extreme abuse forcing your independance</p>

<p>the system sucks.</p>

9

<p>Another way to be independent...having completed the first bachelor's degree.</p>

10

<p>Establishing independence for aid purposes is meant to be difficult - if not, a whole lot of folks would try to beat the system by declaring themselves independent. Sometimes that makes it difficult for situations that ARE problematic, like a divorced parent who refuses to contribute despite having the means to do so.</p>