<p>sk8rmom - I’m in the honors program at my school and we have our own counselors so I have actually gone over this situation with them before but they don’t really have much experience with a situation like mine so they can’t be much help. I have already gotten the packet for dependency override from Cal U so at this point I think I am just going to try to procure some records of the welfare situation and give it a shot.</p>
<p>I used my stepdad because the FAFSA said if your parents are no longer together and the one that has custody of you (in my case, my mother) has remarried then you are to use your step-parent in place of your biological parent. This actually worked out in my favor as my step-dad makes around $55k as opposed to my father who probably makes at least $60k-$70k.</p>
<p>I don’t sense anything in your posts that lead me to believe a dependency override would be granted. The fact that you live with your grandmother & she receives benefits for you is irrelevant. </p>
<p>Read through the information the school sends to you regarding dependency overrides. I realize there are things you may not have posted here, so it is possible that you will see yourself as fitting the criteria for a dependency override. If so, definitely give it a try. </p>
<p>I deal with dependency override issues & do often have to deny student requests for overrides. Federal regulations are clear on the situations that do not merit overrides … the situations that do must be very carefully documented. The key is providing evidence of the situation that led to the breakdown in the family. Things like not getting along, wanting to make it on your own, living with an elderly relative to help them out, living with the relative in order to attend a better school, etc. are not acceptable reasons for a dependency override. There ARE good reasons, though, so if you do feel that yours is a good reason … you will need to be very specific in your personal statement, as will those who provide supporting letters. Documentation from outside sources is also key.</p>
<p>Dependency status must be re-verified every year if you receive an override, because situations do change.</p>