Frequently Asked Questions

Dependency status is determined by specific criteria established by the Department of Education. These criteria do not consider whether you live with your parents or whether they provide financial support.

When completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), you will be asked a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you do not meet the criteria to be considered an independent student, you will be required to provide parent information, even if you live on your own and are financially self-supporting.

If there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from contacting your parents, or if contacting your parents poses a risk to you, you may request a dependency override.

If you plan to file a U.S. federal tax return but have not done so yet, you should select "Yes" on the FAFSA, or “Will File” on the CADAA when asked if you plan to file. You will then provide estimated income and tax information based on your best knowledge at the time. After your taxes are filed, login to make corrections to your application. 

You should answer based on your legal marital status on the day you complete the FAFSA / CADAA.

Generally, no. You usually can’t receive federal student aid from two different schools at the same time when you’re enrolled at both.

There is one exception: a consortium agreement. That is a written agreement between the schools that can let your aid be based on your total enrollment at both schools. For more information about consortium agreements visit https://www.shastacollege.edu/cost-financial-aid/california-virtual-campus/.