Unusual Circumstances
Unusual Circumstances Information & Forms
2026-2027
| Provisionally Independent/Dependency Override Forms & Information (Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027) | |
| 2026-2027 Provisionally Independent/Dependency Override |
2025-2026
| Provisionally Independent/Dependency Override Forms & Information (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026) | |
| 2025-2026 Provisionally Independent/Dependency Override |
An independent student is exempt from listing parent information on the federal student aid application. A Dependency Override occurs when a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of unusual circumstances.
Unusual Circumstances warranting Dependency Override Consideration:
Student('s)
- Has been physically, sexually, emotionally, or mentally abused by an immediate member of the family and has therefore been removed from the parent(s) residence
- Parent(s) are incarcerated or hospitalized for long-term care
- Parents are deceased
- Custodial parent is deceased and student has no contact with non-custodial parent
- Parent(s) cannot be located
- Was married and is now divorced
In addition, students may have to provide documentation confirming the following for an independent student status:
- Was an orphan, foster child, or ward/dependent of the court at any time since the age of 13
- Has a legal guardian that has not legally adopted him/her
- Is an unaccompanied homeless youth
- Was emancipated minor from both parents when the student reached age 18 in his/her state of legal residence
