Unusual Circumstances Override

This resource provides guidance on how to assist youth who cannot obtain parental information to complete the FAFSA. Federal law allows youth to qualify for financial aid without providing parental information if they qualify as an independent student or if they qualify for a dependency override due to “unusual circumstances.” This guide explains what unusual circumstances are and the current process for dependency overrides, and includes three case examples to assist practitioners in understanding how unusual circumstances and dependency overrides may play out in practice.