Why am I not considered "independent" according to my University?

I am 23 and I support myself 100%. My parents moved to New Mexico a couple of years ago, so I don't even get the luxury of going "home" on the weekends and going grocery shopping in their pantry. It is hard enough to get their tax information to fill out the FAFSA (since they are 1000+ miles away), but it hurts even more that their information is counted with mine, as THEY GIVE ME NO FINANCIAL SUPPORT. I have my car payment, insurance, rent, utilities, tuition, doctors fees and medication that I pay for all myself. I cannot receive most forms of aid because THEY make too much money. I don't see any of that money. Why should I be punished for their good fortune?

Generally, you have to meet one of three criteria to be considered independent: you are 24 years or older, you are married, or you are a parent.

It sucks, I have the same problem, but I also understand where they are coming from with these requirements. All three criteria are easy to verify. There is really no way to lie about any of these.

You may have to complete a new FAFSA form with your info only. If you stay on campus then you will use your parents info.

In addition to the answer above, make sure they are not claiming you on their taxes as well, that alone can make all of the difference in receiving financial aid.

It is a terrible code of conduct that FAFSA operates under these days. I was considered "independent" but it was a long, tedious deal. I know a lot of people who recieve nothing from their family but still must consider their income. And my boyfriend is in a very similar situation as yourself. I know the road you travel. But the point of the matter is the government *hates* giving out free money. The document is not a fair representation of need. But there are few other means to do it. The government is under the assumpton that all parents will assume their responsibilty to help their children with college, but some do not care and some do not have the means. Yet if the system was extended, how could you prove your parents are not supporting you? Under the radar gifts and money would be passed by people making false claims and those who are truly "independent" would lose and in the end, no one would recieve governmental grants. The point of this ramble is that the system sucks and I am sorry you have to cope with it. Consider independent scholarships, though, often they will take the time to look into your situation without all the white collar politics.

For the 2007鈥?8 academic year,* you鈥檙e an independent student IF at least one of the following applies to you:

鈥?You were born before Jan. 1, 1984.

So if you don't qualify this year, you definitely will next year. Also, this info says: "If you鈥檙e considered a dependent student, your parents are expected to contribute toward the cost of your education. Federal student aid programs are based on the concept that a dependent student鈥檚 parents have the primary responsibility for paying for their child鈥檚 education." I'd print this document out, highlight a couple parts, and mail it to them. If they don't realize they are supposed to help you with that, maybe it'll at least make them feel bad ;)