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So, you're
18 years old, you can vote, you may have even
lived on your own for a year. That doesn't mean
a college will recognize your independence.
Are You Really Independent?
By Feona Sharhran Huff
November 2000
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- You say
you're independent, huh? Okay, so you're 18 years
old and you can vote. And, maybe it's true that
you've lived on your own (without Mommy and Daddy's
help) for the last three years and supply your
own food and clothing. Let's even throw in the
fact that you file your own taxes now. Congrats
for the accomplishments.
Unfortunately, these
"I'm-a-grown-up-you-betta'-recognize-my-independence"
efforts may not mean much when applying for independent
status on your financial aid form if you don't
meet the federal guidelines set by the Department
of Education. Stop pouting. Status classification
is set because federal student aid programs are
based on the idea that you and your parents have
the primary responsibility of paying your college
education.
According to the
2000-2001 Student Guide published by the
Department of Education, you can file as an independent
student if at least one of the following applies
to you:
1. You were born
before January 1, 1977
2. You're married
3. You're enrolled in a graduate program or professional
education program
4. You have legal dependents other than a spouse
5. You're an orphan or ward of the court (or were
one until age 18)
6. You're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
If none of these criteria fit you, but you still
believe you should be granted independent status,
there are exceptions. Your case has to have unusual
circumstances, however you have ones to appeal
to your financial aid office about. Department
of Education guidelines for financial aid professionals
fall under the "professional judgement"
category. That's where DOE gives authority for
financial aid administrators to override dependency
status (e.g., award you independent status), explains
Nancy R. Sninsky, financial aid director at Washington
and Jefferson College, Washington, PA.
"Professional
Judgement in the dependency appeal tends to be
rigorous as files are audited and must be well
defended by those using their judgement,"
she continues. In other words, you've got to prove
yourself. "You'll be asked to provide detailed
documentation of the reason for the appeal and
your financial resources," she says.
Students at Washington
and Jefferson College must write a statement of
their reasons for claiming independent status
and have a third party (clergy, psychologist,
or other "impartial" person with first-hand
knowledge of their situation) submit written support.
Students must also turn in their income tax returns
for prior years and the current year, and show
proof that their name appears on their apartment
or house lease and utility bills. According to
Sninsky, most Professional Judgement comes into
play in intense circumstances where abuse, alcoholism,
neglect, and other dramatic situations led to
estrangement. Last year, Sninsky granted independent
status to only three students.
"I can remember
one instance where I was counseling a student
and we took a look at what would happen if he
could claim independent status," says Shawn
Lindstrom, founder of Financial Aid Resource Center
in Bethesda, MD. "It showed that his independent
status would decrease his eligibility for aid.
He was relieved that he asked first."
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Feeling independent in the "I have
no idea what to do for college "
department? Don't worry -- check out
MH-18's Life Department and click "Applying
for College."
- There's other things you can "do
for money" besides faking your
independence.
- Read more about financial aid in the
Student
Guide 2000-2001.
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