Claiming independency; would it be worth it?

Paying for College
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<p>I'm 22 years old, only briefly attended classes at my local community college for a semester, having to drop due to health issues.</p>

<p>Once I'm working again, I would love to commit myself to my education and return to complete my classes at community college so I can transfer to my desired 4-year school.</p>

<p>My main question comes from the fact that other than health insurance (which I would like to change either through the Affordable Care Act, or if I'm offered options through work, though likely it'll be the former), I do not receive any support from my parents, and have not lived with them for over a year. It was an emotionally neglectful/abusive environment and I took it upon myself to leave. Being a legal adult at the time, I do not have any court or social worker documentation; I just moved out. I do not plan to approach my parents for assistance, especially with finances as that was actually the catalyst for setting off my clinical depression, which I've worked hard to get through and am still battling (but I'm slowly winning the war c: ). It's always been an uphill battle with my parents and getting the information I needed for FAFSA, as my dad would wait for the last minute to file for his income return, and I wouldn't have up-to-date information as needed. (I would have to use the previous year's information rather than what was asked for on the application so I could submit my application at the deadline.)
On top of this, my parents are not considered to be poor, even though they live modestly and still struggle financially. It is however enough for FAFSA to offer me less financial aid as they fall under the middle-class bracket, though they are at the low end.
Additionally, as they do not financially support me (with the noted exception of health insurance), and do not plan to assist me in financing my education.</p>

<p>That being said, would it be worth it to try to claim myself as independent when submitting my FAFSA? (I'm not currently worried about deadlines, as I'm waiting until I'm working again.) And if so, would documentation not from a counselor, but a psychologist (therapist) be sufficient to provide proof of a neglectful/abusive environment?</p>

<p>Or since I am 22, turning 23 next summer, would it be better to simply wait until the next year when I'm 24 and work in the meantime to build up a savings for college, either as a kickstarter for paying back student loans or to cover costs that financial aid might not?</p>

<p>My apologies for such the lengthy topic. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to what y'all think about the situation. c:</p>

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<p>You will want to inquire with the school you are planning on attending about a dependency override. If the school approves your appeal, your FAFSA will then be considered official as an independent student. You will be asked to explain your situation in writing, and there will be 3rd party documentation needed as well (like the therapist you mentioned). If your appeal is denied, then you can wait until you turn 24 to gain independent status. </p>

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<p>As Kgos16 says, you have to discuss this with the fin aid officer of the school. That person will be the one using professional judgement as to whether or not your appeal would be sucessful. If that person feels it’s worth a try, go for it. </p>

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<p>Get married LOL - that made me independent when I went to grad school.</p>

<p>It puzzles me though - is it true that if you are under 24, your parents still need to be put on the FAFSA, if you aren’t married? Wow.</p>

<p>Here’s an article about it, maybe the comments are interesting too:
<a href=“Can I Be Independent on FAFSA If I am Under Age 24? | Fastweb”>Can I Be Independent on FAFSA If I am Under Age 24? | Fastweb;

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<p>If you are under 24, no kids, not married, not a veteran, etc…parents still need to be listed. </p>

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<p>Yeah there’s not gonna be any weddings or kids until after I’m done with college, lol. (Unless I win the lottery and strike it rich, haha. Even then I still want to go to school, though, but hey it’d be debt-free.)</p>

<p>I figure what kgos16 said is certainly worth a try. I mean, if the appeal isn’t successful it’s not like it’ll derail my plans; it’ll just put them on hold for a few more months.</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses, everyone. c;</p>

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<p>Just be aware than being independent for aid or over 24 is no guarantee you will get all your costs covered.</p>

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<p>I know I won’t get a full ride or anything, but whatever help I can get is better than none. Mostly I’m gonna end up with loans, I think.</p>

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<p>rhandco, I sure hope you didn’t get married to become independent … all grad students are automatically independent. ;)</p>

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<p>No, of course not, I got married to get health insurance from my spouse.</p>

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<p>Now that I understand! :)</p>