<p>I am currently in my first quarter at a community college and i am living on my own without financial assistance from my parents. As I am looking to transfer to a 4 year school in the fall of 2013, I was wondering if I would be considered an independent for financial aid reasons. At that point, my parents would have stopped claiming me as a dependent on taxes for 3 consecutive years preceding my transfer entry to a four year university.</p>
<p>You are not considered independent for FA purposes until you are 24, are married, a member of the military, or have a child. Living on your own and not being claimed on taxes do not fulfill the criteria.</p>
<p>Here are reasons you would be considered independent for financial aid purposes:</p>
<ol>
<li>Military veteran</li>
<li>Age 24 or over</li>
<li>Parent of a dependent child who YOU support</li>
<li>Married</li>
<li>In guardianship (not with your parents)</li>
<li>Have a bachelors degree</li>
</ol>
<p>Hmm…there are two more. BUT how your parents claim you on their taxes isn’t one of them. Neither is being self supporting. If you can’t answer yes to one of the above questions, you are considered DEPENDENT for financial aid purposes.</p>