Dependent students must provide parental information on the FAFSA. Independent students do not have to provide parental information on the FAFSA. You may use the dependency status worksheet to determine your dependency status.

For dependent students, a special circumstance is a situation that exists between the student applicant and his or her parent(s) which prevents the student from providing parental information. If you have a special circumstance and are unable to provide parental information, under very limited circumstances, you may be able to submit your FAFSA without parental information.

The following are examples of some special circumstances where you may submit your FAFSA without providing parental information:

• You do not know where your parents are and are unable to contact them (and you have not been adopted);
• You have left home due to an abusive family environment; or
• Your parents are incarcerated.

But not all situations are considered a special circumstance. The following are situations that would not be considered a special circumstance:

• Your parents don't want to provide information on the FAFSA due to privacy concerns;
• Your parents refuse to contribute to your college expenses;
• Your parents no longer claim you as a dependent on their income taxes; or
• You do not live with your parents.

If you do have a special circumstance and are unable to provide parental information, you may be able to submit your FAFSA, however your FAFSA will not be considered complete and you must contact your financial aid office to complete your FAFSA and receive your EFC.

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