This is question 50 on the paper FAFSA.

The answer to this question is pre-filled with Yes or No based on your answer to the marital status question.

The answer to this question will display Yes if you reported that you are married or separated.

The answer to this question will display No if you reported that you are single, divorced, or widowed.

According to the Defense of Marriage Act (1996), “...the word ‘marriage’ means a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.” Therefore, same-sex unions are not considered marriages for federal purposes, including the FAFSA.

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