Hey everyone, I'm filling out my FAFSA and got a bit stuck at the section that might need my parents' signatures. My parents are divorced, and I'm unsure whether both of them need to sign the FAFSA.
I've heard different things from different people. Can anyone clarify what the deal is with parental signatures on FAFSA? Also, do any rules change if you're only living with one parent? Thanks in advance for your help!
Hey there! When you're completing the FAFSA, only the parent that you lived with most during the past 12 months will need to sign it. If you spent an equal amount of time with both parents, it's the parent who provided more financial support during that period who will need to sign.
In cases of divorce or separation, you don't have to include the financial information of the parent you're not living with, unless that parent has remarried, in which case, your stepparent's financial information would also have to be included.
It's also worth noting that if you're applying for aid as an independent student, you won't need to include a parental signature at all. Independent students can include those who are 24 years old or older, are married, have dependents, are veterans, or are active-duty military, among other criteria.
Remember, the important thing is to be truthful and thorough while filling out your application to help ensure you're eligible for all the financial aid you rightfully deserve. Happy applying!
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