<p>There is no such thing as declaring yourself independent for FAFSA. There are a series of questions on FAFSA (age 24, married, have a dependent you support 50%, veteran etc). If you cannot answer yes to one of them you are a dependent. None of the questions relate to whether you are self supporting or working. My son dropped out for a couple of years and returned to school at 22 after working full time and being completely self supporting including living in his own place, paying his own rent and bills, not being our dependent for taxes etc for 2 1/2 years. For FAFSA he was still considered a dependent.</p>