FAFSA search function not working - am I missing something obvious?

The search function on studentaid.gov is pretty bad, honestly. For dependency override information, don't use the main search. Instead, go directly to the 'Apply for Aid' section, then look for 'Special Circumstances' in the dropdown menu. That's where they hide all the dependency override documentation requirements. The FAFSA site structure is terrible for finding specific information.

have u tried using quotation marks around the search term? like "dependency override" instead of just typing it normally? sometimes that helps narrow it down

The search functionality on the FAFSA website is intentionally limited. For dependency override situations, you actually need to locate the specific form which is the "Request for Dependency Override" (sometimes called the RDO form). This isn't easily searchable because each school has their own version of this documentation. The federal site only provides general guidelines. Your best approach is to: 1. Contact your school's financial aid office directly 2. Request their specific dependency override documentation 3. Ask about their specific deadline (which may differ from the general FAFSA deadline) 4. Gather supporting evidence (court documents, letters from professionals, etc.) The 2025-2026 dependency override process requires more documentation than previous years due to the FAFSA Simplification Act changes to SAI calculations.

Google search works better than the FAFSA website search tbh. Just type "site:studentaid.gov dependency override" in Google and you'll get better results than using their built-in search function.

I've been dealing with the FAFSA website for YEARS and their search function has ALWAYS been trash! It's like they deliberately make it hard to find information so you have to call them and wait on hold for 3 hours!!!! I spent 4 days last month trying to figure out how to correct my parent's contribution information after submission and the search gave me NOTHING useful. Had to call them 5 TIMES before I got through to someone who could help. The whole system is designed to be frustrating.

If you're having trouble reaching someone at Federal Student Aid by phone, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that helps you skip the long hold times. It was a lifesaver when I needed to get information about my dependency override situation last month. They call and wait on hold for you, then call you when an agent is on the line. I used it after spending days trying to get through on my own. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ But definitely try the Special Circumstances section first - you might find what you need without having to call at all.

just fyi my cousin had to do a dependency override last year and she said the most important thing was getting a letter from a professional (counselor, doctor, etc) who could verify the situation with her parents. the fafsa people were super strict about the documentation

Quick update based on your situation: For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, the dependency override documentation requirements have changed slightly. You'll need: 1. Letters from TWO professional third parties (counselors, social workers, teachers, clergy) 2. A personal statement describing your situation 3. Any legal documentation (restraining orders, police reports, etc.) 4. Proof that you support yourself financially Under the new SAI calculation model, dependency overrides are being scrutinized more carefully, but they're also being granted more frequently for legitimate cases. Make sure all your documentation clearly shows that you have no financial connection to your parents and no ability to contact them.

honestly the fafsa site is the worst. i always end up calling them