Dependency Override Request

If you were required to provide your parent’s information on the FAFSA form but are unable to do so because of unusual circumstances, MCC may be able to waive the requirement of your parent’s information. The process to request this waiver is called the Dependency Override Request.

Examples of Qualifying Unusual Circumstances

An abusive family environment
Abandonment by your parents
Incarceration or institutionalization of both parents
Parents cannot be located

Examples of Circumstances that Do Not Qualify as Unusual

Parents do not support the student or refuse to contribute to the student’s education
Parents are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification
Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency

If your Dependency Override Request is denied, then you must either include your parent’s information on the FAFSA or submit a Parent Refusal Form to request a Federal Unsubsidized Loan.

How to Request a Dependency Override

Follow these steps to request a Dependency Override:

  • Complete the FAFSA for the current school year. You must have a FAFSA application on file (omitting your parent’s information) before you can submit the Dependency Override Request.
  • Complete the Dependency Override Application
  • Submit Dependency Override Request forms
  • Submit additional documentation online that supports your unusual circumstances. Additional documentation can include (but is not limited to):

    • Court documents or police reports
    • Hospitalization records
    • Personal references who can verify your unusual circumstances such as: School teacher, counselor, or principal
    • Director or counselor of children/youth home
    • Pastor or clergy person
    • Close relative
    • Other persons who can accurately verify your unusual circumstances

Processing Timeline

It’s our goal to review student Requests and provide an approval or denial as soon as possible, usually within two – four weeks of receiving the student’s completed Dependency Override documents. Students will be notified of the Financial Aid Administrators decision.