Every year there I get a number of calls from students who say they must use parent information on the FAFSA, but their parent is unwilling to complete the form. In the past, there has not been an option for dependent students to complete the FAFSA without mom and/or dad's information. That has all changed for 2009-10. But are you really getting a better deal filing without their information?
Beginning with the 2009-10 FAFSA, a dependent student can complete the FAFSA without reporting parent information or using a parent PIN if the parent refuses to provide parent information. However, if the application is approved, the most you can receive is a federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan of $3500, $4500 or $5500 as an undergraduate student, depending on class level. There is no consideration given for federal grants.
If you are a dependent student and file without parent information, your FAFSA will be rejected by the federal processor. You must contact your financial aid administrator to determine the next course of action. Federal regulations have been issued to financial aid personnel to gather required documentation. This can include:
- A statement from your parent(s) stating their unwillingness to complete the FAFSA or support you financially in any manner;
- Written evidence and/or documentation from a professional person (court, lawyer, school counselor, etc) that supports your claim that your parents are unwilling to help
As you can see, filing without parent information is not something you can arbitrarily decide upon. It's based on extenuating circumstances. Once your financial aid administrator has received the documentation, (s)he will make the final decision as to whether your FAFSA is valid without parent information. There are no appeals to the Department of Education.
If approved, the school will process your student loan. If denied, you will be instructed to correct the FAFSA by adding your parent information and PIN.
If you have extreme extenuating circumstances, such as abuse or abandonment, it's very important that you convey this information to your financial aid advisor before completing the FAFSA. Administrators do have the capability to make a dependent student independent based on professional judgment, but it's only for extreme circumstances.
My best advice is to try and get your parent information if you have to file as dependent. This way, you are considered for federal grants as well as student loans. If you're having difficulty getting parent information, you can always ask your financial aid professional to explain to your parent that it doesn't in any way make them financially responsible. The information is used solely for the purpose of determing financial aid eligibility.