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Dependency Status

  1. My parents don’t support me—can I file as independent to receive financial aid?
  2. My parents’ income was reduced through a job loss—what can I do?
  3. What is the difference between an independent and dependent student?

My parents don’t support me—can I file as independent to receive financial aid?

You are considered as an Independent Status if any of the following apply to you (2013-2014 aid year):

  1. You were born before January 1st, 1989
  2. You are or will be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate degree program (beyond a bachelor’s degree) at the beginning of 2013-14 academic year
  3. You have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1st, 2013 and June 30th, 2014
  4. You’re married on the day you apply (even if you are separated but not divorced).
  5. You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training.
  6. You’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. (A "veteran" includes students who attended a U.S. service academy and were released under a condition other than dishonorable. For more details on who is considered a veteran, see the explanatory notes on the FAFSA.)
  7. You are currently or was an emancipated minor
  8. Your are currently or was in legal guardianship
  9. You are or at risk of being homeless (Documentation verifying this may be requested from you)
  10. You were a dependent or ward of the court since the age of 13.
  11. You were in foster care since turning age 13.
  12. I have dependents (other than children or my spouse) who live with me and I provide more than half of their support
  13. Both of your parents were deceased since the age 13.

 

My parents’ income was reduced through a job loss—what can I do?

Federal regulations allow a financial aid administrator to consider unusual circumstances that may affect a student’s financial aid award (s). Examples of special circumstances include: divorce, death, change or loss of employment, or disability after the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is processed.

In order to be considered for a special circumstance, please complete the Special Circumstances Form. You may obtain the form via our online Forms Library at http://pvamu.edu/pages/1950.asp.

 

What is the difference between an independent and dependent student?

Dependent student's must report their parent's income and assets and independent students must report their own income and assets