Unusual Circumstance

A dependency override occurs when a financial aid administrator decides of independent status for a student based on the student’s unusual circumstances. Independent status enables the student to complete federal student aid requirements without providing parent information.

A dependency override request does not guarantee approval and an approval does not necessarily mean that an adjustment will be made to a student’s aid offer.

Decisions are final and will be communicated directly to the student.

Examples of Unusual Circumstances Considered:

Victims of human trafficking
Refugee or asylee status
Parental abandonment or incarceration
Abusive family environment
Parents are incapacitated
Both parents became deceased after filing the FAFSA
Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or is self-supporting and at risk of being homeless

Examples of Unusual Circumstances NOT Considered:

Parent(s) do not claim the student as a dependent on their tax return
Parents are not helping the students pay for college
Parents are not willing to provide information
The student is no longer living with parent(s) (except in combination with an eligible circumstance above)

If you believe you have an unusual circumstance that impacts your dependency status, submit your request below.

Note: You may have additional requirements for this request posted to your MyPima. Your request is not considered complete until you fulfill those additional tasks.

Submit Request