When students seek financial aid for college they have to complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid). The outcome of this application determines whether or not one is eligible for such things as Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and other financial assistance for college. As part of this application, information is gathered to determine a potential student's "dependency status". One is not considered an "independent student" until certain criteria such as marriage, reaching the age of 24, being active or former military personnel, or emancipation are met. Part of this requires the student to submit parental or legal guardian's tax information. Without this information one cannot complete the FAFSA and will most likely be denied government financial assistance for college.
We are calling on the United States Department of Education to allow Financial Aid Officers to permit dependency status exceptions for LGBT students who have been estranged from their families, and to evaluate their financial situations on a case-by-case basis.
