FAFSA dependency override denied - online student with undocumented parents abroad

OMG this is so frustrating!! The fafsa system is sooo broken when it comes 2 unusual family situations. I went thru something similar (not exactly the same) when my mom moved back to her country. The fin aid people kept wanting her tax info even tho she didnt even live in the US anymore! Ridiculous.

You might qualify for a dependency override based on special circumstances, but you'll need to document your situation better than what you currently have. Here are some suggestions: 1. Instead of court documents (since you don't have them), provide a detailed personal statement explaining your relationship with your parents, when they left the country, and why they cannot provide financial information. 2. For the two letters from officials, try these alternatives: - Academic advisor (even if you've only communicated via email) - Online professor who knows your academic situation - Counselor from your Medicaid/SNAP office - Religious leader if applicable - Mental health professional if you see one 3. Gather evidence of your self-sufficiency: - Lease agreement in your name - Utility bills showing you pay your own expenses - Tax returns showing you file independently - Documentation of your Medicaid/SNAP benefits Take all this documentation to the financial aid office at your NEW school (the university you're transferring to). They often have more resources and motivation to help incoming students than your current community college.

i had a similar thing happen with my fafsa and dependency override but for different reasons. the whole system is designed for traditional students with normal family situations which is SO frustrating. what worked for me was being VERY persistent with the financial aid office at my target school. i literally called every other day until i got someone who actually wanted to help. they can sometimes make exceptions to the documentation requirements if you explain your situation enough times to enough people.

The financial aid office at your new university should be your main point of contact here. Since you've already been accepted, they have a vested interest in helping you find a solution. In addition to what others have suggested, I recommend: 1. Contact the Dean of Students office at your community college. Even though you're an online student, they may be willing to write a letter based on your academic record and the situation you explain to them. 2. Since you mentioned you're on Medicaid, get documentation from your case worker about your independent status for government benefits. This can be powerful evidence. 3. If you filed taxes as an independent person, include your tax returns from the last 2-3 years. 4. Create a monthly budget document showing all your expenses and how you've been supporting yourself. Dependency overrides are definitely possible in situations like yours, but the documentation burden is on you to prove your special circumstances.

Have you been able to speak with anyone at the Federal Student Aid office directly? I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through on their phone line about my own dependency override situation. The wait times are insane and I kept getting disconnected. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Once I actually talked to a live FSA agent, they explained exactly what documentation would work for my situation and what alternatives they could accept. Much more helpful than just working from the form instructions! The agent even sent me an email confirming what we discussed that I could share with my school's financial aid office.

just wanted to say this sucks and remind u that ur not alone!! the system is totally designed for people with traditional family situations and the rest of us get screwed. i dropped out because of similar issues. don't give up tho!! ur gpa is amazing and u deserve to transfer to that university!!

Another thought - did u check if ur new university has special scholarships for students in unusual circumstances? My cousin found a scholarship specifically for students who were supporting themselves. It wasn't through FAFSA at all but through the school's foundation. Maybe worth asking about?

Just to update everyone following this thread - I spoke with a FAFSA specialist yesterday who confirmed that for dependency override situations like this, there's flexibility in what documentation can be accepted. The key requirements are: 1. A detailed personal statement from the student 2. At least two supporting statements from third parties who know the situation Importantly, those third parties don't HAVE to be college officials if that's not possible. They can be: - Employers - Clergy - Social workers - Community organization leaders - Medical professionals - Government benefit caseworkers The financial aid administrator at your school has significant professional judgment in these cases. Make sure to emphasize that your situation is about the impossibility of getting parent information (parents abroad, undocumented, completely out of your life) rather than just an unwillingness to provide it.

btw has anyone told u to check if ur eligible for state financial aid too? some states have separate programs for students who don't qualify for federal aid for various reasons. virginia might have something!

UPDATE: I've made some progress! I spoke with the financial aid office at my new university, and they were surprisingly helpful. The counselor said they've handled several cases like mine before. I'm putting together a documentation package with: 1. My personal statement 2. Letter from my employer 3. Letter from my Medicaid caseworker 4. Letter from a professor who's been mentoring me online 5. My lease, bills, and tax returns showing self-sufficiency The financial aid counselor also mentioned they have some institutional funds they can use to help students in unique situations, even if the FAFSA override isn't approved. I'm feeling much more hopeful now! Thank you all for the advice and support.