<p>I am a 22 year old who is interested in becoming an independent student in regards to financial aid. I am not: a vet.,no dependants ect., and I won't be 24 until December of 2006. Parents will not give any tax information.However, I have spoken to several financial aid counselors and I know they do financial aid overides but I just wanted some more input from you all.</p>
<p>My question is: When I am actually filing out the FAFSA and they ask for parental information is there any way to by pass this and complete it with just my own. (I have filed single for last 3 years and no one claims me)</p>
<p>Also, What type of information other than rental agreements and car insurance info will they need to decipher whether or not you are independent. I've heard they decide on an individual basis and letters of recommendation help.</p>
<p>The federal government is very specific regarding what constitues an independent student. </p>
<p>The criteria for being an independent student </p>
<p>[ul]
[li]Were you born before January 1, 1983?</p>[/li]
<p>[li]Will you be working on a degree beyond a bachelor's degree, such as a master's or doctorate, in school year 2006-2007?</p>[/li]
<p>[li]As of the date you will be submitting the FAFSA, are you married? </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you, or do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2007? </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Are you an orphan or ward of the court or were you a ward of the court until age 18?</p>[/li]
<p>[li]Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?[/li][/ul]</p>
<p>If you can answer no to any of these questions, then you will not be considered an independent student regarding financial aid.</p>
<p>I was born in December 1982...I don't understand</p>
<p>Bombshell...if you will be applying for finaid for the 2006-07 school year (next year), you WILL be 24 during the duration of that year (turning 24 in December of that year).</p>
<p>Can someone tell me when I should file my taxes and when I should send in my FAFSA. Also must I be enrolled at the school first?</p>
<p>Thanky</p>
<p>when are you beginning school? If you are starting in january, then you should apply now because you are looking to get aid for the 2005-2006 school year. If you are starting school september, 2006 then you can file your FAFSA jan.1, 2006</p>
<p>thank you, I was confused</p>