<p>It really was pretty easy to be considered independent back in the day … at least until around 1990. I was out of the field when the rules were tightened up, so not sure exactly when it changed. Used to be that parents would amend their taxes to remove the kid in order to get the independent status. It’s much, much more difficult to be considered independent now. Even the “automatic” things that will do it, such as having a child, are not so automatic - aid officers very often will ask for proof of supporting the child at least 51%. And things like being in guardianship or being homeless, which are automatic-independent factors, are verified.</p>