Independent Verification

LMU requires documentation for all undergraduate students who indicate an independent status for a reason other than age on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The 2012-2013 FAFSA requires students who do not meet one of the below requirements to provide parent information and a parent signature on the FAFSA:

1. Birth date prior to January 1, 1989.

2. As of today, you are married or separated, but not divorced.

3. At the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, you will be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate, etc.).

4. You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training.

5. You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

6. You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2013?

7. At any time since the age of 13 both of your parents were deceased and you were in foster care or a ward of the court.

8. As determined by a court in your state of legal residence, you are or were you in legal guardianship.

9. At any time on or after July 1, 2011, your high school or school district homeless liaison determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless.

10. At any time on or after July 1, 2011, the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless.

11. At any time on or after July 1, 2011, the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.

Undergraduate students who meet any of the above items other than meeting the minimum age to be independent are requested to complete the Independent Student Certification Form to document their independent status. The Financial Aid Office will post this document as a “missing” requirement on the students’ MYLMU account.

The Independent Student Certification Form requests that the student submit documentation verifying their independent status and must be submitted to be considered for need-based institutional aid.

Students who receive this requirement should review their Student Aid Report (SAR) at www.fafsa.ed.gov to ensure that all information provided is accurate.

Students who have any questions regarding their dependency status should contact a financial aid counselor at finaid@lmu.edu.