PETITION FOR INDEPENDENT STATUS (DEPENDENCY OVERRIDE) By: Frances Chapa Prairie View A&M University

“A financial aid administrator (FAA) may do a dependency override on a case-by-case basis for students with unusual circumstances. If the FAA determines that an override is appropriate, he/she must write a statement detailing the determination and must include the statement and supporting documentation in the student’s file.” 2018-2019 AVG, Chapter 5, pages 117-119

SITUATIONS WHICH DO NOT MERIT A DEPENDENCY OVERRIDE Parents refuse 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. Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency.

SITUATIONS WHICH DO MERIT A DEPENDENCY OVERRIDE Abandonment of Parents. An abusive family environment that threatens the student’s health or safety. Parent of record has passed and the whereabouts of the other parent is unknown.

How do you make the determination of how to proceed? Ask questions. Listen to the answers. Ask more questions.

What type of documentation is acceptable? Written statement from student. Letter(s) from a third party that is familiar with the student’s unusual circumstance. Any other documentation the student feels will explain his/her unusual circumstance. Dependency Override Application and Verification documentation

Processing the Dependency Override or Override the student’s dependent status on an initial application through FAA Access (CPS).

QUESTIONS? Contact information: Frances Chapa fmchapa@pvamu.edu 936-261-1006