2020-2021 Dependency Override Request
Form
&
Instructions for Third Party Documentation
Monroe Campus P: 318-345-9005 F: 318-345-9006
_________________________________________________________________________
In extraordinary and documented cases, the financial aid office has the authority to use professional judgment to
override a student’s dependency status in order to make a student independent for the purpose of applying for financial
aid. A student must be unable
to obtain his/her parents’ information because of extenuating circumstances.
Parents’ unwillingness to provide the information or inability to help support the student are not acceptable
reasons for an appeal. Students must submit a Dependency Override Request and three (3) third party reference
letters to the Office of Financial Aid for consideration of a dependency override.
The information stated in the Dependency Override Request must be verified by a third party who is aware of your
home situation and can verify the information you have provided. Examples of such persons include, but are not limited
to: employer, clergy, social worker, attorney, court official, teacher, counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist,
medical professional, law enforcement agent, immediate family member, etc.
Instructions for three (3) third party references:
Third party references must submit separate signed and dated statements, preferably on letterheads. Please include
any information of which you have firsthand knowledge and that you feel best describes the student’s situation. The
following is a list of information that MUST be included in your letter:
I. How long have you known the student?
II. Your relationship to the student.
III. When was the last time the student lived with and/or received financial support from his/her parents?
IV. Any knowledge of his/her relationship with his/her parents, and parents’ whereabouts.
V. Steps that the student has taken to establish their independence from his/her parents.
Please make sure to include your professional title, name and type of business, business address, telephone
number, and where to contact you should any additional information be required. Please see examples of
acceptable supporting documentation listed below:
• If death of parent
- Copy of death certificate and obituary
- If student and parent have different last names, provide a copy of student’s birth certificate
• If parent is in jail
- Statement from facility or courthouse indicating jail sentence and expected release date
• If parent(s) whereabouts are unknown
- Third party references must specify that parents’ whereabouts are not known
DEPENDENCY OVERRIDE REQUEST FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT
THE THREE (3) THIRD PARTY REFERENCE LETTERS ATTACHED!
School Code 041301 / Campus Attending
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