Read the definitions, find out who has to provide parent information on the FAFSA form, and learn what to do if you aren't in contact with your parents.
What if my parents don't want to help me pay for college?
Well, you can't be considered independent of your parents just because they refuse to help you with this process.
Can't you provide their information on the FAFSA form?
Yes, I can't. They refuse to give me all information that is needed.
In that case the application will be considered rejected, and you might not be able to receive any federal student aid. The most you would be able to get depending on what the financial aid office at your college decides would be a loan called an unsubsidized loan.
Could it be that the questions on the form change each year? My friend tried to help me by showing me his form from last year, but some questions were different.
Yes, questions may change depending on the year. You'll find the questions that determine your dependency status on our website, first in a graphic format and then for 2020/21, specifically in a table of dependency status questions.
How can I tell the difference between a dependent student and an independent student again?
Read the definitions, find out who has to provide parent information on the FAFSA form, and learn what to do if you aren't in contact with your parents.
What if I have answered that I'm a dependent student?