Congratulations - you're a legal adult! Turning 18 marks a milestone in so many areas of life. Federal  

financial aid

 , however, is not one of them. Read these FAQ to learn more about your FAFSA student status.

How do I know if I'm an independent student?
Ask yourself these questions:

- Before January 1 of this year, were you 23 or older?
- Will you be working on a master's or doctoral degree or certificate?
- Are you married?
- Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
- Do you have other dependents who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you?
- Are both of your parents deceased or were you a ward or dependent of the court?
- Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces for purposes other than training?
- Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are considered an independent student for financial aid purposes. If none of these are true, you are considered a dependent student for financial aid purposes and must provide information about your parents on the FAFSA.

What if I don't live with my parents?
If you answered "no" to all the questions above, you still must answer the questions about your parents - even if you don't live with them, and even if they don't claim you as a dependent on their taxes.

What if my parents don't want to help me pay for college?
Regardless of your parents' desire to pay for college, you are still required to provide their information on the FAFSA. The government will use this information to assess your family's financial strength and determine how much federal financial aid you qualify for. If your family's financial resources are low, your FAFSA will show high financial need.

Are there any special circumstances that might qualify me as an independent student?
Yes. Exceptional family circumstances may include having no contact with your parents, parental abuse, and parental substance abuse or serious mental health issues. If you are able to document a special circumstance, discuss your situation with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend. The financial aid administrator can help you figure out what to do.

Remember, your dependent student status doesn't necessarily mean you'll receive less financial aid than you would as an independent student. If you're helping support your parents, for instance, you'll show higher need as a dependent student than as an independent student. Consider your situation carefully, and consult with the financial aid office at your school for personalized financial aid advice.

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