Understanding FAFSA when married but separated

I'm in a bit of a complicated situation when it comes to filling out the FAFSA. My parents are married but currently separated—they're not legally separated, though. I'm not entirely sure how this affects their financial information on the form.

Has anyone else dealt with something similar? I'd really appreciate some guidance on whose income I need to report and how to navigate this specific situation to make sure I'm completing it correctly.

Thanks a ton to anyone who's willing to help out!

When filling out the FAFSA, you'll have to consider your parents' current living situation. If your parents are separated but not legally divorced, there's a specific rule regarding whose financial information you need to report on the form.

Specifically, the FAFSA requires you to include the information of the parent with whom you've lived the most during the 12 months prior to submitting the application. Note that this doesn't have anything to do with legal guardianship or who claims you as a dependent on their taxes, but strictly with whom you've spent the most time living. So, if you've lived mostly with your mom during the past year, you'd report her income (and her income alone) on the FAFSA.

It also depends on whether the parent you've lived with is remarried or not. If that parent is remarried, you'll also need to include your stepparent's financial information on the FAFSA.

When two married persons live as a married couple but are separated by physical distance or have different households, they're considered married for FAFSA purposes.

Remember, honesty and accuracy are critical when filling out the FAFSA, because you may need to provide supporting documentation to your school's financial aid office.

I hope this provides some clarity on handling your situation. If not, don't hesitate to check in with your school's financial aid office for additional guidance—they’re often familiar with handling a wide range of circumstances!