Dependency Status Certification

This form overrides your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) dependency status to file as an independent student as defined by Federal Student Aid. 

More specifically, this form is for you to provide additional information regarding question 5, Student Personal Circumstances, on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

To complete this form, you will be required to provide specific documentation depending on your answers in SECTION B. 

If you:

  • Have been in foster care at any time since turning 13 documentation from your social worker or a court of law is required.
  • Have been a ward of the court at any time since turning 13 documentation from a court of law or a letter from your county social worker is required.
  • Are/were a legally emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of residence, documentation from a court of law in your state of legal residence is required.
  • Are/were in legal guardianship with someone other than your parent or stepparent, as determined by a court in your state of residence, then documentation from a court of law in your state of legal residence is required.

View the Dependency Status Certification form for 2025-2026

View the Dependency Status Certification form for 2026-2027

Use this form if...

You have been requested by the Office of Student Finance or One Stop Student Services to provide additional information regarding question 5 on your FAFSA. You can see if you have been asked to provide this information by checking:

  • Your University email for communications from the Office of Student Finance, or
  • Step 4 in your MyU Financial Aid Steps

Don't use this form if...

  • You have not been asked to complete this form by the Office of Student Finance or One Stop Student Services.

Next steps

Online

Upload to Financial Aid Documents Submission Portal 

By mail

Office of Student Finance, 160 Williamson Hall
231 Pillsbury Dr. SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455-0252

In person

One Stop Student Services 
333 Robert H. Bruininks Hall (East Bank)

OR

One Stop Student Services
130 Coffey Hall (St. Paul)