Unusual Circumstance - Dependency Status

Undergraduate students who cannot answer ‘Yes’ to at least one of the dependency questions in Step 3 of the FAFSA form must include their parent’s information when completing the FAFSA form. Review this helpful website for more information - studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency.

The UTA Office of Financial Aid has the authority, through Section 480(d)(7) of the Higher Education Act, to change a student's dependency status from dependent to independent in cases involving documented extenuating circumstances.  Examples include (but are not limited to) cases of abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

If a student has an extenuating circumstance, a request for a change of dependency along with supporting documentation can be submitted to the UTA Office of Financial Aid for review by following the instructions below.

Please Note: A Dependency Change Request (DCR)/Unusual Circumstance Form cannot be approved for any of the following reasons alone or in combination:

• Parents refusal to contribute to the student's education;
• Parents unwillingness to provide information on the FAFSA or provide verification documents;
• Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes; and/or
• Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency.

Apply for Initial Dependency Change Request

2024-2025 Initial Unusual Circumstance - Dependency Status Process

This form applies to the Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.

1. Complete the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Print and complete the 2024-25 Unusual Circumstance Form.
3. Attach a typed, signed, and dated one-page explanation of your extraordinary circumstance(s) which prompted a request for a change of dependency status. The statement must explain your current relationship with your biological and/or legally adoptive parents. Include their names, whether or not you are estranged from them, and their last known address.  Also, include where and with whom you have been living and your current means of support.
4. Attach three (3) reference forms – two (2) professional and one (1) personal – completed by individuals who are aware of the details surrounding your situation and relationship with your parents. Give each of your three (3) references this form to complete - 2024-2025 Reference Form. Each reference form must also include a typed, signed and dated one page letter from the reference explaining his/her relationship to you, knowledge of your situation and relationship with your parents, and any additional information which would be helpful during the review process.
5. Submit the completed Unusual Circumstance Form along with the required attachments (3 & 4 above) to the UTA Office of Financial Aid for review.
6. Allow 2-3 weeks for the Unusual Circumstance Form to be processed. Students will receive an email to their UTA email address with the decision or if additional clarification/documents are required.

Renew a Previously Approved Dependency Change Request (DCR)

Contact Us

Feel free to contact the UTA Financial Aid Office if you have any questions or if you wish to discuss your current circumstances and whether or not this process would benefit you.