How do i get around reporting my parents income when filling out the FAFSA?

I live on my own and have little to no contact with my parents. I receive 0 financial support from either of them. The problem is that i was told i have to include at least one of my parents income information on my application for student aid. I know plenty of people my age that do not have to report their parents income, yet when filling out the dependent part of the form, it says i am still a dependent. I dont know how to get around this. Ive called the help line for FAFSA and they say i have to have parental income included. If i include their information will it ultimately affect how much i receive in aid?

I am 20 years old, i went ahead and put in my mother income since its not that much. I guess once i get to a certain age i wont have to include her financial information. Thank you all for your help.

A lot of people actually find themselves in your situation because for the purposes of financial aid, the government considers you a dependent until you're 24. Whether or not your parents claim you as a dependent on their taxes makes no difference (I'm just speculating, but maybe they think it's too easy for parents to slip their kids money under the table?)

Since their information will definitely affect how much aid you get, you might have to consider loans as a possibility, or defer college until after you turn 24. For more information on federal aid, try here:
http://www.tuitionbids.com/student-loan-...

For information on private student loans, there are great resources here:
http://www.tuitionbids.com/student-loan-...

I know it sucks I have not lived with my paretns for 2 years and I have been completely independent for several years (on taxes) The financial aid in this country sucks but you can get around it if your family makes little income. The less they make the better. Ask them to remove all money in savings and keep it in cash-they think savings money will go to college even though 99% of the time it goes to retirement. Sorry I couldnt give you a better answer but this is just the way it is.

Unless you can answer one of those dependency questions as "YES" then you have to report your parents income (both of their income if they are married to each other). You will still qualify for financial aid when you report their income.

Virtually anyone can get student loans and for some reason people think that by NOT reporting their income they will get the free money, but most of the time, if someone is indeed living and totally self supporting, they STILL make too much to get the free money. Don't make this snag hinder you from college.
Good luck...