FASFA for funded PhD

Graduate School
1

<p>I've been asked by my department financial aid officer to fill out the FAFSA: "From these results, the department is able to allocate funding sources so that we stay within compliance guidelines for certain funds that can only go to students with demonstrated financial need. Your completion of the FAFSA is REQUIRED, but it has NO EFFECT on the financial aid offer you received from the department at the time of your acceptance."</p>

<p>My offer is already funded. For my undergrad FAFSA, my parents filled it out and reported their income. Should I still do this or can I fill out the FAFSA independently (ie. report no income)?</p>

<p>edit: Nevermind, I just need to base it off my 2011 tax returns.
edit2: Or not, looks like I am automatically an "independent" student according to FAFSA</p>

2

<p>Yes, you’re independent when you’re a graduate student, always.</p>

<p>They require the FAFSA to leverage federal Graduate Work-Study funds that are available for those who have financial need.</p>