Dependency Override Criteria & Process

Circumstances That May Justify a Dependency Override

Dependency Override is the process through which a student can appeal to have the dependency status as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) overridden due to unusual circumstances where the student is unable to contact a parent or where contact with parents poses a risk to such student.

Following are some examples of reasons for which a student may request a Dependency Override, but these are not the only reasons why it may be appropriate:

• Human trafficking, as described in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.)
• Legally granted refugee or asylum status
• Student’s voluntary or involuntary removal from the parents’ home
• Parental abandonment or estrangement
• Student or parental incarceration

Limits on the use of Dependency Override

Dependency Override does not apply to situations in which parents refuse to financially contribute to the student’s education, are unwilling to provide their information, or do not claim the student as an income tax dependent, or for a student who demonstrates total self-sufficiency. In addition, the fact that a student’s parents live in another country does not qualify as an unusual circumstance.

Processing Requests for Dependency Override

Student requests for Dependency Override should be submitted to the Student and Financial Services Team.