<p>Were you ever a ward of the court after the age of 13, even for a single day? If so, you are automatically independent. If you were removed by the police, maybe there was a day you were legally a ward? Did you become legally emancipated? If so, you are automatically independent. Otherwise, you do have to go through the hoops for a dependency override at each school.</p>
<p>When you fill out the FAFSA, you will not get a valid EFC. You will need to contact each school to let them know that you completed the FAFSA without parent info & that you need to apply for a dependency override. Each school will be different. Unless the dependency override is approved, your FAFSA EFC will remain unofficial for that school & you will not receive any aid.</p>
<p>From what you have shared, I don’t think it should be all that difficult to prove that you are a viable candidate for a dependency override. You can begin gathering required documentation now. I assume you have a guidance counselor who is familiar with your situation. Get him/her to write a letter on school letterhead explaining what he/she knows about your situation (in detail). Get another letter from an “outsider” who can support what you say about your situation … court, police officer, clergy, doctor, therapist, etc. If you can’t get the second letter, find someone who can provide a letter that will support your story. Write your own statement. Make sure you provide ALL the details (ask your letter writers to do the same) … this is not the time to leave things out. Make sure you present the situation in all its sad truth. This is what will allow the aid administrator to approve a dependency override.</p>