Dependency Status Flashcards
6 cards from real FAFSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Dependency Status flashcards as text
Which question on the FAFSA determines if a student is at risk of being homeless?
Answer: Homeless or at-risk question
The FAFSA includes a homeless or at-risk question that can classify a student as independent if they are unaccompanied and homeless.
What is a dependency override and who grants it?
Answer: A financial aid administrator's decision to change a student's dependency status; the school
A dependency override is a professional judgment decision made by a financial aid administrator to change a student's dependency status due to unusual circumstances.
A student with legal dependents (not a spouse) who they support is classified as:
Answer: Independent
Students who have legal dependents other than a spouse who they provide more than half of the support for are classified as independent.
What document might a financial aid office request to verify a student's independent status claim?
Answer: Court documents, tax returns, or signed statements from officials
Schools may request court documents, tax returns, letters from social workers, or other official documentation to verify claimed independent status.
A student who is currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training is classified as:
Answer: Independent
Students currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (not for training) are classified as independent on the FAFSA.
Which of the following does NOT make a student independent on the FAFSA?
Answer: Working full-time
Employment status alone does not determine independent status on the FAFSA; specific legal or life circumstances are required.