Dependency Status

Many students have questions about whether they are considered to be a dependent or independent student for financial aid purposes. This page is designed to answer some of those questions.

In order to be considered an independent student for financial aid, you must meet ONE of the following requirements at the time you complete the FAFSA application:

• be born before January 1, 1982
• be enrolled in a graduate or professional program
• be married
• have a child or children that receive more than half of their support from you
• have dependents other than a child or spouse
• be an orphan or ward of the court, or have been a ward of the court until age 18
• be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

If you do not meet any of the conditions above, you will be considered a dependent student and will need to provide your parent's/s' information as requested when you complete the FAFSA.

Please note: Filing your personal taxes as an independent does NOT qualify you as an independent student for purposes of financial aid.

Dependency appeals

Exceptions to the independent status requirements above are made on a case-by-case basis, and most require substantial documentation and/or extreme circumstances.

If you wish to appeal your dependency status based on a special condition or circumstance, you must contact the Student Assistance Center before you complete the FAFSA. You will be required to complete a Dependency Appeal Form and will need to supply documentation from at least two third-party sources to support your dependency appeal. If you were considered independent for aid purposes at a previous school, you do not automatically qualify for independent status at UMD.

Note: Refusal of a parent or guardian to provide support is NOT considered an unusual circumstance and does NOT qualify you to be considered independent for financial aid purposes. Additionally, being self-supporting in and of itself is not sufficient reason to be considered independent.

If you have questions on your dependency status, please contact the Student Assistance Center.