Dependency Override Petition

If you are considered a dependent student on the FAFSA and you have an unusual circumstance which prevents you from providing parent information on the FAFSA, you may petition for a dependency override so that only your information must be provided on the FAFSA.

Common reasons for Dependency Override petitions

• Abusive family environment that threatens your health or safety
• Parental abandonment
• You are unable to locate parents
• Incarceration of parents
• Estrangement (meaning you have been cut off or prohibited from having any contact with your parents)
• Court order that keeps you separated from your parents

Circumstances that do not qualify for a petition

Please note that the following four reasons, alone or in combination, do not qualify as unusual circumstances and will not result in a dependency override:

• Your parents are unable to provide financial support or refuse to contribute to your education;
• Your parents are unwilling to provide the information needed to complete the FAFSA or verification;
• Your parents do not claim you as a dependent for income tax purposes; or
• You are able to show that you are financially self-sufficient.

Instructions

1. Submit a letter regarding your unusual circumstances. Include information regarding your relationship with your parents, the length of time you have been in this situation, other people you have lived with, how you have provided financially for yourself during this time, and, if you are a returned missionary, how you provided financially for your mission.
   
2. Submit third-party letters from two or more people who have first-hand knowledge of your situation. The letters should be from people who are unrelated to you but are aware of your situation, such as a counselor, bishop, law enforcement official, etc. Those persons writing letters should include their relationship to you and how long they have been aware of your situation.
   
3. Submit any additional documentation that may be applicable to your situation, such as:
   
   • Police report
   • Documentation of incarceration
   • Death certificate
   • Court order

Contact us

We invite you to contact Enrollment Services to set up an appointment to speak with an Enrollment Services Counselor if you would like to discuss petitioning for a Dependency Override. Counselors are happy to assist you.