Dependency Override Appeal

You should complete the Dependency Override Appeal form if you are considered a dependent student for federal financial aid and believe you have compelling extenuating circumstances that should allow you to be considered an independent student.

A dependency override occurs when a financial aid administrator exercises professional judgment and overrides the Department of Education’s criteria for dependent students. An override may only be granted on a case-by-case basis if you have unusual and exceptional circumstances. These circumstances must show compelling reasons for you to be considered independent rather than dependent. In addition, dependency overrides need to be approved each year.

Federal financial aid regulations assume that your family has primary responsibility for meeting educational costs. If you are considered a dependent student according to the federal financial aid definition, your aid eligibility is determined by using parent income and asset information in addition to your information.

The U.S. Department of Education determines your student dependency status based on your responses to specific questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®). For financial aid purposes, you are considered an independent student per federal regulations if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

  • born before January 1, 1997
  • married as of the date the FAFSA is signed
  • have children who receive more than half their support from you, or have legal dependents, other than a spouse or children, who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you
  • attending a graduate-level program of study during the 2020-21 academic year
  • veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or have attended a service academy and were released under a condition other than dishonorable
  • currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training)
  • emancipated Minor or in Legal Guardianship as determined by the court in your state of legal residence
  • orphan, Ward of Court, Foster Care (after age 13)
  • are a self-supporting unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness (as certified by a governmental or school agency)

If you do not meet any of the previous conditions, you are classified as a dependent student.

The following are some examples of conditions that could warrant a dependency override:

  • documented abandonment
  • parental drug abuse
  • parental mental incapacity
  • physical or emotional abuse
  • severe estrangement from parents
  • parental incarceration

By Federal Law, the following conditions do not warrant a dependency override:

  • your parents:

    • refuse to provide information on the FAFSA application or for verification
    • do not claim you as a dependent for income tax purposes
    • are unwilling or unable to contribute to your education
  • you:
    • demonstrate self-sufficiency
    • are reluctant to request income information from your parents
    • do not wish to communicate with parents

Dependency Override Appeal Process

Return the completed form and required documentation outlined as follows to the Office of Financial Aid. We understand the sensitive nature of these circumstances. All documentation received by our office will be kept confidential.

  • Complete the FAFSA First

    Complete the FAFSA online before completing and submitting the Dependency Override Appeal.

  • Personal Statement

    On a separate sheet of paper, tell us in your own words why you are requesting a dependency override. Be sure to describe the following:

    – nature of your relationship with your parents

    – location of both parents and when you last had contact with them

    – why you cannot obtain information and support from your parents

    Sign and date your statement.

  • Third-Party Statements

    Provide at least two letters from third-party adult individuals who personally have knowledge of your situation and who can verify your circumstances. At least one letter (on letterhead) must be from a guidance counselor, physician, social worker, clergyperson, or another individual who has been involved in the circumstances in a professional capacity. All letters must include details as to how the person knows you, how long they have known you, and how they have been involved and have first-hand knowledge of your situation.

    The individuals submitting letters cannot be related to one another, nor can they reside at the same address. You must include a telephone number and address where the individual can be reached for follow-up questions.

  • Dependency Override Appeal Form

    Complete all sections of the Central Piedmont Dependency Override Appeal form located in Financial Aid Forms.

  • Supporting Documentation

    In addition to your personal statement, third-party statements, and the appeal form, you must provide the following documents with your appeal:

    – copy of 2021 and 2022 Federal Tax Returns. If you are not required to file, be sure to complete Section 4 of the appeal form and attach copies of your W-2s or 1099 forms

    – complete an Independent Worksheet

    – copy of your current lease or rental agreement — If you do not have either, attach a signed statement from your current landlord verifying your tenancy

    – documentation needed in the determination of dependency status

  • Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor

    You are required to meet with a financial aid counselor when submitting your appeal.

    Once you have completed the appeal form and gathered your statements and supporting documentation, contact Central Piedmont’s Office of Financial Aid to make arrangements to meet with a financial aid counselor and to submit your appeal in person.

  • After Filing the Dependency Override Appeal

    – If your appeal is approved, we will notify you via email and will submit the override to the Central Processing System. Your financial aid will then be packaged based on your independent status.

    – If your appeal is not approved, we will notify you via your Central Piedmont email of our decision. To receive a financial aid package, you must provide parents' financial information and signatures on your FAFSA.

    – All decisions on dependency overrides are made based on professional judgment by the Office of Financial Aid at Central Piedmont. All decisions on appeals are final.

  • Determination: What to Know

    – Decisions made at other institutions are not accepted.

    – The determination of whether or not to approve a dependency override is made by the Office of Financial Aid at Central Piedmont – not the U.S. Department of Education.

    – All decisions made by the Office of Financial Aid on dependency overrides are final and can not be appealed.

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