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2011/2012 Dependency Override Appeal

Federal financial aid regulations assume that a student’s 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.

What makes a student Dependent or Independent?

Your student dependency status is determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on your responses to specific questions on the FAFSA.  For financial aid purposes, federal regulations have defined an independent student as one who meets AT LEAST ONE of the following conditions:

• Born before January 1, 1988;
• Married as of the date FAFSA signed;
• Have children who receive more than half their support from the student, OR has legal dependents, other than a spouse or children, who live with student and who receive more than half their support from the student;
• Attending Graduate level program of study during the 2011-12 academic year;
• Veteran of U.S. Armed Forces (or will be a veteran as of June 30, 2012), or have attended a service academy and were released under a condition other than dishonorable;
• Currently serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Forces (other than for training);
• Emancipated Minor or in Legal Guardianship as determined by the court in her/his state of legal residence;
• Orphan, Ward of Court, Foster Care (after age 13);
• A self-supporting unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness (as certified by governmental or school agency).

A student who does not meet ANY of the above conditions is classified as a Dependent student.

What is a Dependency Override?

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 for students with unusual & exceptional circumstances.  These circumstances must show compelling reason for a student to be considered independent rather than dependent.

What conditions COULD warrant a Dependency Override?

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

What conditions DO NOT warrant a Dependency Override?

By Federal Law, the following conditions DO NOT warrant a dependency override:

• Parents refuse to provide information on the FAFSA application or for verification
• Parents do not claim student as a dependent for income tax purposes
• Parents unwilling or unable to contribute to student’s education
• Student demonstrates self-sufficiency
• Student reluctant to request the income information from parents
• Student does not wish to communicate with parents

Financial Aid Policy at CSU Long Beach requires a student seeking a dependency override to complete the CSU Long Beach Dependency Override Appeal.  Decisions made at other institutions are not accepted.

You should complete this form if you are considered a dependent student for federal financial aid and believe you have compelling extenuating circumstances which should allow you to be considered an independent student.  Return the completed form with the required documentation to the Office of Financial Aid.  We understand the sensitive nature of these circumstances; all documentation received by our office will be kept confidential.

Please note the following:

• Complete the 2011-12 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online prior to completing and submitting the Dependency Override Appeal.
• Financial Aid policy at CSU Long Beach requires a student seeking a dependency override to complete the CSU Long Beach Dependency Override Appeal.  Decisions made at other institutions are not accepted.
• When submitting your appeal, you will be required to meet with a financial aid staff member.
• The determination of whether or not to approve a dependency override is made by the Office of Financial Aid at CSU Long Beach – not the U.S. Department of Education.  All decisions made by the Office of Financial Aid on dependency overrides are FINAL and not appealable.

Dependency Override Appeal Process:

1. 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:  (1) The nature of your relationship with your parents; (2) the location of both parents and when you last had contact with them; (3) why you cannot obtain information and/or support from your parents.  Sign and date your statement.

2. 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, clergy person, 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/or 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.  A telephone number and address where the individual can be reached for follow up questions must be included.

3. Dependency Override Appeal Form

   Complete all sections of the appeal form.

4. 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 2010 Federal Tax Return.  If you are not required to file, be sure to complete Step 5 of the appeal form and attach copies of your W-2’s or 1099 forms.
   • 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.

5. Meet with a member of Financial Aid staff

   Once you have completed the appeal form and gathered your statements and supporting documentation, contact CSULB’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 independent status.

If your appeal is not approved

We will notify you via email of our decision.  In order to receive a financial aid package, you MUST provide parent financial information and signatures on your FAFSA, using the FAFSA website.

All decisions on dependency overrides are made based on Professional Judgment by the Office of Financial Aid at CSU Long Beach.  All decisions on appeals are FINAL.

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