fafsa: dependency Override
If you qualify, you may be able to file for a dependency override on your FAFSA. This is for situations like homelessness, parental incarceration, or lack of contact with parents that requires a detailed explanation and supporting documentation. Here’s a short guide on how to apply for a dependency override for FAFSA if you qualify with a special circumstance.
What is a Dependency Override?
A dependency override may allow students who don’t qualify as independent on FAFSA (being age 24+, married, or a veteran) apply as independent if they have special circumstances.
The Department of Education considers situations like:
Left home due to an abusive or threatening environment.
Parental incarceration.
Abandoned or estranged from parents and have not been adopted.
NOTE: A dependency override does NOT apply simply because parents refuse to provide financial information or support. Refer to FAFSA’s Personal Circumstance Questions To Determine Dependency Status.
Steps to File a Dependency Override
Complete the FAFSA Without Parental Information
Start by filling out the FAFSA online FAFSA.gov.
When it asks for parental information, select, “I am unable to provide this information” and indicate that you will file as an independent student.
If you have an unusual circumstance, select “Yes” to the “Do unusual circumstances prevent the student from contacting their parents or would contacting their parents pose a risk to the student?” question on the FAFSA form. You’ll be considered provisionally independent, enabling you to submit the form without parent questions/signature. (FAFSA 2024).
This will allow you to submit FAFSA without parent information, but your application will need to be reviewed.
To complete your application, you must contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, to know what to do next- including policies and timelines- to complete your application.
Contact Your School’s Financial Aid Office
Dependency overrides are handled on a school-by-school basis.
Call or email the financial aid office to set up an appointment to speak with an advisor. Explain your situation and request for a Dependency Override, and ask if you need to provide additional documents to submit for your case. It is best to discuss these matters in person.
There may be a documented interview between you and the financial aid administrator at the school you plan to attend.
Documentation you may need to support your case
You’ll need evidence for your circumstance. Schools typically require 2–3 types of documentation, but obtain as much evidence as you can and keep it.
You may be asked to provide any income that you have- tax information, bank accounts, savings accounts, etc.
A court order or official federal or state documentation.
A documented phone call or written statement from an attorney, guardian ad litem, court-appointed special advocate (or similar) or a representative of TRIO or Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant confirming your unusual circumstance and their relationship to you. (FAFSA 2024).
A letter from someone that can verify your situation. This includes local school district personnel, high school counselors, social worker, homeless liaison, a shelter/transitional housing program, a family member, religious leader, or trusted adult.
Consider purchasing an 8 pocket file folder to keep your documents organized and easily accessible.
Click to read more about the process for different circumstances
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After you answer “Yes” to the general unaccompanied and homeless question on the FAFSA form, you’ll be asked whether you have received a homeless youth determination. Answer yes or no to the agencies it provides. After you submit the FAFSA form, a financial aid advisor at the school you plan to attend must document and determine if you are an unaccompanied homeless youth.
If you have not received a homeless youth determination from an eligible agency, and you do not have any written documentation of your homeless status, you’ll need to complete additional steps with the financial aid office at your future school. The financial aid office will make a determination of your homeless youth status. The financial aid office’s determination may be based on a written statement; documented interview with you; or other information available to them through resources such as your state or local government, community organizations, etc.
A letter from someone that can verify your situation. This includes…
Local school district personnel, high school counselors, social worker, or homeless liaison.
Shelter or transitional housing program.
A family member, religious leader, or trusted adult.
Court or agency documents, if applicable
A personal statement describing your situation.
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If your parents are incarcerated, select “Yes” to the “Do unusual circumstances prevent the student from contacting their parents or would contacting their parents pose a risk to the student?” question on the FAFSA form. You’ll be considered provisionally independent, enabling you to submit the form without parent questions/signature. (FAFSA 2024).
This will allow you to submit FAFSA without parent information, but your application will need to be reviewed.
To complete your application, you must contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, to know what to do next- including policies and timelines- to complete your application.
You may be asked to provide proof. If you do not have certified documents,
A letter from someone that can verify your situation. This includes…
A social worker, case manager, or lawyer confirming the incarceration.
A probation/parole officer or court representative.
Official documents, such as…
Court records or a statement from the correctional facility.
Copies of arrest/incarceration records (if accessible).
Visit the courthouse or research where you can find copies of your Parent/Guardian’s incarceration records in your area. If you tell the workers who you are and why you need the documents, they are more likely to be understanding and helpful.
Personal statement outlining your lack of parental involvement.
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If you have no contact with your parents and don’t know where they live, or you’ve left home due to an abusive situation, select “Yes” to the “Do unusual circumstances prevent the student from contacting their parents or would contacting their parents pose a risk to the student?” question on the FAFSA form. You’ll be considered provisionally independent, enabling you to submit the form without parent questions/signature. (FAFSA 2024).
This will allow you to submit FAFSA without parent information, but your application will need to be reviewed.
To complete your application, you must contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, to know what to do next- including policies and timelines- to complete your application.
You may be asked to provide proof. If you do not have certified documents, a letter from someone that can verify your situation. This includes…
High school counselor or therapist, etc.
A family member, religious leader, or trusted adult.
Documentation of attempts to contact parents (if any).
Court documents (if relevant, ex., restraining orders or emancipation).
How to Write Your Personal Statement
A personal statement is your opportunity to explain your situation in your own words. Include…
Background: Briefly explain the situation (ex., "I became homeless in 2022 after my parents abandoned me.")
Details of Estrangement: Provide context about your relationship with your parents and why you cannot provide their information.
Timeline: Describe when the situation began and how it affects you now.
Efforts to Resolve (if applicable): Mention attempts to contact or reconcile with parents.
Conclusion: Reaffirm your independence and need for financial aid to continue your education.
Ask your financial advisor if there is anything else that you should add.
Submit Your Request
Once you’ve gathered all required documentation, submit it to your financial aid office. You may need to…
Complete and attach their Dependency Override Request Form.
Provide the FAFSA confirmation page.
Follow up with the office to confirm receipt and processing.
What Happens Next?
The financial aid office will review your request and may approve or deny it.
If approved, your FAFSA will be updated to reflect your independent status, and you’ll be evaluated for aid accordingly.
Store all required documents in a folder. For the next school year, you may have to go through the process of filing for a dependency override again or FAFSA will ask for more documents. Keep all financial and supporting documents on hand- even after graduation.
If denied, you’ll need to either provide parental information or explore alternative funding options.
Read our Applying for Scholarships blog to learn more about alternative funding options.
More from the FAFSA website
How to fill out the FAFSA form if you have unusual circumstances that prevent you from providing parent information.
