Why do we have to file the FAFSA when my daughter supports herself?
My daughter has not lived with me or my husband for a year and a half while she’s been attending college. We do not support her financially; we do not pay for her education nor do we even send her money. She is completely self-sufficient, a fact of which we are very proud to claim! We will not be claiming her as dependent on our taxes this year because that is a true reflection of what occurred. Would we still need to file the FAFSA for her and if so, why? — Jennifer M.
Federal law assumes that the parents have the primary responsibility for paying for their children's college education. In fact, parent contribution is the primary method most students use to pay for college. The federal government provides grants and other forms of college support only when the parents are incapable of paying for college, not when the parents are unwilling to pay for college.
If parents of a dependent student refuse to complete the FAFSA, the student will not qualify for federal student aid. This includes federal education loans from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, federal work-study, or federal grants like the Pell Grant or TEACH Grant.
Married
Have a dependent other than a spouse
Are a veteran of the US Armed Forces, or have served on active duty in the Armed Forces for other training purposes
An orphan, in foster care or are considered a ward-of-the-court
An emancipated minor or in a court-ordered legal guardianship
Are considered homeless unaccompanied youth
Graduate and professional students are also considered independent. All other students are dependent.
The student is self-sufficient
Parents do not claim the student as a dependent on their income tax returns
Parents refuse to contribute to the student's education
Parents refuse to complete the FAFSA or verification
None of the above scenarios, alone or in combination, is sufficient justification for a dependency override.
Why is Parental Information Required on the FAFSA?
Learn why and when parent information is necessary to complete the FAFSA.

A dependent student will not qualify for federal student aid if parental information is not included on their FAFSA.