<p>I just found out that since I have been self-supporting and living on my own for over half of 2007, I will no longer be claimed as a dependant on my parents taxes. What are the ramifications of this change? If I were to report my parents income to the FA office I would not qualify for aid, however it seems as if I have to file my own income. Any thoughts would be fantastic.</p>
<p>To file as independent for FAFSA you have to be one of the following
24 years old
married
working on a masters/doctorate
a veteran
Have a dependent you are supporting
both parents deceased
ward of the court before age 18
It does not matter if your parents claim you on their taxes or not. It does not matter if you are supporting yourself or not. If you cannot meet the above criteria you are a dependent for financial aid purposes and must report your parent's financial information and your own on FAFSA.</p>
<p>To check for yourself look at the dependency questions here</p>
<p>Completing</a> the FAFSA 08-09/The Application Questions(48-55)</p>
<p>Just because you're no longer claimed as a "dependent" on your parents taxes, that doesn't mean you'll be considered "independent' for financial aid purposes. They're two different things.</p>
<p>If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, you're considered independent for finaid purposes. Otherwise, you're dependent, and your parent's income will be consdered.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Were you born before January 1, 1985? Note that if you were born on January 1, 1985, you should answer "No."</p></li>
<li><p>At the beginning of the 2008-09 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, Ph.D., EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)? </p></li>
<li><p>As of today, are you married? </p></li>
<li><p>Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you? </p></li>
<li><p>Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009? </p></li>
<li><p>Are (a) both of your parents deceased or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?</p></li>
<li><p>Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training? </p></li>
<li><p>Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?</p></li>
</ol>