The federal financial aid application process classifies applicants as dependent or independent. Using a series of questions, the financial aid application process determines whether the student’s parents (or spouse) have (or do not have) the ability to be a main source of support for post secondary educational funds.

These questions determine whether parents have the ability to pay for education, but have nothing to do with whether parents (or a spouse) actually contribute to your education.

The following questions determine whether a student is independent or dependent. A “yes” to any of the questions classified the student as independent. A “no” to all the questions classifies the student as a dependent.

For the 2008-2009 financial aid application year, the questions that determined dependence status were:

- Were you born prior to January 1, 1985?

- During the 2008-2009 school year, will you be pursuing a master’s, doctorate, or other post-bachelor’s degree?

- Will you be married on the date you submit your financial aid application? (the FAFSA, or Free Application for
Federal Student Aid)

- Between now and June 30, 2009, do you have children who get more than 50% of support from you, or do you have dependents other than your children or a spouse who live in your household and receive more than 50% of support from you?

- Are you an orphan or ward of the court? Were you a ward of the court until you reached 18 years of age?

- Are you a U.S. Armed Forces veteran?

- Are you now on active duty in the Armed Forces, for purposes other than training?

For more details on the difference between independent and dependent status, see FinancialAidNight.com.

For a current version of the qualifying questions with a built in calculator, see FinAid.

To begin the financial aid application process, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov .