Office of Student Financial Aid
Independent Status Appeal Form 2021-2022
Students classified as dependent may petition to be reclassified as an independent student based upon documented
extenuating family circumstances. Examples of extenuating circumstances include estrangement from parents,
an unsafe home environment, or unknown whereabouts of your parents. Extenuating family circumstances do
not include financial hardship, a parent’s unwillingness to provide financial support or self-sufficiency
(living on your own). Documentation is required to support your request.
Deadline to submit application: March 27, 2022. During peak periods, the estimated timeframe for a
review is 6 to 8 weeks.
PLEASE PRINT
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Student Last Name First Name MI Banner ID Last 6 Digits Only
Street City State Zip
E-Mail Address Telephone Number
SECTION A: New Independent Appeal
I am submitting the Independent Appeal Form and documentation for initial consideration during the
2021-2022 academic year.
Each applicant must provide detailed explanation of your circumstance and include the following:
• Provide a statement indicating the whereabouts of your biological parents.
• Describe the last time you had contact with each of your parents: when, where and the nature of the
contact.
• Explain why you cannot obtain parental information.
• If parent (s) is deceased, please provide copy of parent death certificate and copy of student’s birth
certificate
• Provide statements from three adults who are aware of your situation and can support the information that
you provide. Two of the three statements may come from the following:
Teacher/Professor Attorney
Guidance Counselor Psychiatrist/Health Personal
Social Worker Clergy
Court/Public Agency Family/Friend
Other
** ALL STATEMENTS FROM A 3
RD
PARTY MUST INCLUDE NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER,
RELATIONSHIP TO THE STUDENT AND A SIGNATURE**
• Provide a copy of your 2019 Federal Tax Transcript or signed Tax Return (if you did not complete the
IRS data retrieval) and copies of your W-2, or verification of your income
• Complete and submit a 2021-2022 Verification Worksheet
• Verification of your current living arrangements (See page 2).