<p>D is over 21 and no longer our dependent (at least in Uncle Sam's eyes). She would like to apply for scholarships for a semester abroad program that require FAFSAs. I don't think she will qualify for much if the Fafsa is based on our income - but she certainly would if she based it on her income.</p>
<p>Can she fill out a FAFSA in her name or is she not eligible since we are paying for her college costs?</p>
<p>Also, when is the deadline to file FAFSAs? The school makes the scholarship decisions this fall.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>No-- she can't file as independent for financial aid purposes just because she's 21, or because you don't claim her as dependent on your taxes.</p>
<p>Generally, students have to be 24, or married, or have their own child (and a few other circumstances) in order to file as "independent" for financial aid purposes.</p>
<p>FAFSA priority deadline for many colleges was March 1, but each college sets it's own final deadline- check their website.</p>
<p>For FAFSA she is a dependent until she is 24 except in certain circumstances (a veteran, married, has a dependent of her own, is doing a masters/doctorate etc ). Whether you claim her as a dependent for taxes does not matter.</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses.</p>
<p>Guess we missed the boat on this one since the Fafsa deadline has passed for her school.</p>
<p>Why can't you claim her? If you provide more than 50% of her support and she's a full time student. You probably can.</p>
<p>Go ahead & fill out the FAFSA, anyway. It doesn't cost anything, it's not <em>too</em> painful, and she might just end up getting some money. You never know if you don't try. </p>
<p>It's true that you don't get the child tax credit, but you can still claim her as a dependent on your taxes.</p>
<p>I know from personal experience that some deadlines are soft. E.g., "Should apply soon, as the deadline has passed." We got some aid after the deadline had passed. Go for it.</p>