Unsure how to file dependency on FAFSA

I’ll try to describe the situation as best as possible. My grandparents fought for legal custody of me from my mother at age 2 (I’m 20 now) and were given full legal custody of me, but never legally adopted me. My biological father has never been in my life and cannot be found for child support on other children of his, so I could not retrieve his tax info if I wanted to. My grandparents never had guardianship, but FAFSA says legal custody does not equal independence like guardianship does. Do I file dependent even though my grandparents aren’t my biological, adoptive, or legal parents? I live in Tennessee, I know states vary in legal aspects

You will not be automatically independent, but you can and should request a dependency override from each school to which you send your FAFSA. Complete the FAFSA as a dependent student, but when you reach the part that asks for parent information, indicate that you cannot provide it. It will probably ask a couple times if you’re sure; say yes. Submit. It will be rejected by the processor. After you submit, contact the financial aid office of each school to let them know your situation & ask how to request a dependency override. Approving dependency overrides is done by each school, and they may request different things from you. Expect to be asked for 2-3 written explanations from professionals, such as a counselor at school, clergy person, doctor, or perhaps a relative (I would request info from your grandparents) … they will explain the situation and why you are unable to get parent information. Schools do not have to grant an override, and they could tell you that you need parent information. If you have a solid reason for the override, though, chances are it will go through. Of course, I don’t know all of your details, so I am not making promises.

Thank you! I had to revise my FAFSA earlier and my financial aid manager told me to try and file as independent and send the paperwork I had. I sent all the court documents, so hopefully she can do an override for me. It’s sort of an odd loophole to be in, not independent b/c guardianship, but not being able to provide info on my biological parents. But thank you so much for informing me on the steps to take, it makes me feel easier about it!

Best wishes to you!