Petition for Dependency Override

Most traditional college students are considered financially dependent on their parents. This means your parents must provide information on the FAFSA. In specific unusual circumstances, a student who would normally be considered dependent can be considered independent. There is no guarantee an approved appeal will result in additional aid being awarded to the student. If a student is granted a dependency override, it is not automatically renewed each year. The student must complete a request form for each new year.

Who is Considered Independent for the Purposes of Federal Student Aid?

The U.S. Department of Education requires that a student must meet at least one of the following criteria to be automatically considered independent:

  • At least 24 years of age;
  • Married as of the day the FAFSA is completed;
  • Pursuing a graduate or professional degree;
  • A veteran or active-duty member of the armed forces;
  • An orphan, ward or dependent of the court, or in foster care after reaching age 13;
  • Supporting at least one legal dependent other than a spouse;
  • An emancipated minor or under legal guardianship of someone other than a parent prior to reaching age 18;
  • Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Learn more about dependency on the FSA website.

Examples of Situations Where Petitions may be Approved:

  • Documented abandonment
  • Parental drug abuse
  • Parental mental incapacity
  • Physical or emotional abuse
  • Parental incarceration
  • Severe estrangement

What is Not Considered

Students are not considered independent for financial aid purposes for any of the following reasons:

  • Parents refusing to contribute to the student’s education
  • Parents are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification
  • Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax pur­poses
  • Parents live away from student or in a foreign country
  • Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency 

Parental Refusal

In limited situations, a student who cannot provide parental information and does not meet the criteria for a Dependency Override may receive Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan funds at dependent undergraduate levels. Speak to a financial aid counselor to determine whether you can qualify for this exception.

Next Steps

If you believe that you have a compelling reason(s) to be considered independent, please complete the following steps:

  • Book an Appointment with a financial aid counselor (214) 333-5363 or finaid@dbu.edu) for a change in circumstances to determine the additional documentation that is required.
  • After a counselor has determined that you may be eligible to request an independent student status, an application for a dependency override will be available within your financial aid checklist via MyDBU.
  • Allow 3-4 weeks for the Dependency Override to be processed.