Dependency Overrides
A Dependency Override is granted when SDSU Financial Aid Office exercises professional judgment and overrides the Department of Education’s criteria for dependent students to provide parent information on their FAFSA or California DREAM application. The Financial Aid Office override allows situations where parental (contributor) information may be difficult for the student to obtain, and the student is considered an independent student for financial aid.
The following are examples of circumstances that may considered for a dependency override:
- An abusive family environment.
- Abandonment and/or estrangement by parents.
- Incarceration or institutionalization of both parents.
- Parents cannot be located.
The following circumstances would not be considered for a dependency override:
- Parents refuse to contribute to the student's education.
- Parents are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification.
- Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes.
- Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency.
Your requests for dependency change must be made to SDSU Financial Aid Office and must include adequate supporting documentation. Any award adjustment made by the Financial Aid office will depend on your eligibility and the availability of funds.
How to Request a "Dependency Override"
If adverse circumstances prevent you from having contributor (parent) information and consent on your FAFSA, contact the Cal Coast Student Financial Center to be counseled on the Dependency Override process and to have a "Task" added in my.SDSU that will enable you to upload supporting documentation.