Full Name _________________________________ Full Address_____________________________________________________ Last 4 digits Social Security Number or your DACc Student ID Number _________________
This form allows you to request special consideration of your student status for financial aid purposes for 2010-2011. Although you do not meet the requirements stated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered independent, you believe your particular circumstance warrants further evaluation.
You should be aware that you are not automatically independent for financial aid purposes simply because your parents stop claiming you as a tax exemption or refuse to give you support for your college education. By federal law, the unwillingness, inability, or reluctance of parents to help pay for your education cost does not make you independent.
Nearly all student aid programs are based on the premise that students and their parents have the primary responsibility for paying for the student's postsecondary education. Students whose parents could provide support should not receive need-based funds at the expense of students whose parents are not able to provide such support. Students should expect support from their own families before they expect it from the general public (taxpayers).
The federal methodology assumes that the primary responsibility for paying for college costs rests with the family. Federal regulations permit the college to exercise professional judgment in determining if unusual or extenuating circumstances can be documented to consider you independent for federal and state financial aid purposes. Your decision not to accept assistance from your parents or your parents' decision not to provide assistance for you is never adequate reason for a change in dependency status.
The Student Financial Aid Office can change your status if your circumstances and documentation justify doing so, but is not required to grant your request. The decision of the Student Financial Aid Office is final; the U.S. Department of Education does not consider appeals to change dependency status.
All students must submit a detailed, chronological
statement that clearly explains their unique and/or special family
circumstance.
Category
(check one only)
____ Estrangement
from parents:
You must request three witnesses familiar
with
your financial resources and your family and living arrangements to
affirm
the situation is true and correct to the best of their knowledge. The
witnesses must be your teacher, minister, lawyer, physician, counselor,
employer, or other professional person who is not related and who will
be willing to verify your status upon request. Their
statement
must be printed on their professional letterhead stationary. They
must submit the form to the financial aid office
separately.
(Our mailing address is listed on the top of this form). Family and
friends are not considered
an eligible "witness" to provide documentation
although they may submit a statement on your behalf to further explain
your circumstances.
____ Previously
married now divorced/widowed:
Copy of divorce decree or marriage license and
death certificate and a
statement
explaining this and why you believe you should be considered
independent.
____ "Other Circumstances"
to be evaluated:
You must submit your reason ( if not meeting one
of the above categories) in written form with documentation to support
your statement. Review opening paragraph of this page as to what
circumstances are not
considered for status overrides.
Certification Statement (Student Signature Required): I certify that this information is true and complete. If I cannot provide the appropriate required documentation to support an independent status, I understand that I will be evaluated as a "dependent" student and required to provide my parent(s)' income and asset information when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Student Signature______________________________Date_______
(Remember
to Attach Appropriate Supporting Documentation)