Dependency Override
Do you think there is ever a reason to consider a student for a dependency override when the student has a relationship with their parents? If so, what would that reason be?
Catalina ,
If you are considering a PJ, you need to collect from the student a statement on the situation with the mother indicating no contact and unsure of her location and at least one statement from another third party that can confirm the student has no contact with the mother and the mother is M.I.A. Then you will need documentation on how the student is supporting herself. After you collect the statements and documentation you will need to determine if the student is eligible for a dependency override PJ.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
I currently have a student that the year prior was able to provide mother information and that was pulling teeth from parent and this award year mother went M.I.A on student and student has an idea but not certain that she is in another state but has no way of contacting her or confirming its true that she is in that state. Would that constitute for a PJ since the student and some family members are assuming mother is in another state?
I don't believe it should be based on whether there is a relationship at all, but rather if the situation shows that the parent is not acting as a parent and the child shows that they are acting as an independent. A parent may be abusive, on the street, mentally ill and the child may respectively continue a relationship, which is admirable - it should not be a deciding factor that a relationship continues, rather the other details of the situation.
Lisa,
Once again a procedure and adhering to it is the key when handling these situations. It is important to ensure that students are treated fairly based on their circumstances. You are correct sometimes these situation are unfortunate and limit the student's ability to continue their education.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
We do not attempt a dependency override if the student has an ongoing relationship with parent(s). Sometimes the parents and student have a very strained relationship and the parent is of no help. This is unfortunate and sad. Fortunately most of the time the parent will complete the FAFSA and PLUS even though the relationship is not good.
Yes there should be room for considering an dependency override for students that who have a apparent relationship with their parents because this doesn't necesarily mean that the parents care or are interested in their son/daughter's educational goals and financial means to achieve so. We are in a different era regarding parenting ideas and decisions and the children should not be restricted from getting FA because of self-interested parents
Yes, the student has contact with her parent but the parent lives on the street and has not provided for the student for the last several years.
No I dont think there is a valid reason to do a PJ for dependency if the parent and student have a relationship.
I think this will fall into the consideration for unsub loans only if the parents refuse to fill out FAFSA or verification documents....
CORTNI,
Your due diligence in collecting thorough documentation protects both the student and institution. It is important to ensure all proper documentation is collect to prove the validity of the student's position. Professional Judgments should be handle with care to ensure the protection of the student, federal dollars and the institution. It is refreshing to hear how thoroughly you handle this important responsibility.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
Yes, there are many situations that deem the student to be independent. It just so happens that I have seen three PJ’s this month. One was for income and the other two were for students who have abusive parents. This is the hardest PJ to prove if they have not gone through the courts. We require three letters from third parties to support the student’s claims. The letters are usually about the student and how proud they are of them. We have to go back to the third party and request specific information regarding the student’s situation in the home. It is a very long and somewhat difficult process. However, it greatly benefits the student.
Regards,
Cortni
Dayanis,
A parent's refusal to assist is not a valid reason to perform a Professional Judgement Dependency Override. All PJ's must be based on unusual circumstances and a parent's refusal is not acceptable. If you want to review this in the SFA Handbook check page AVG-101.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
If the student just want a better future and the parent doesnt support, i think the best the school; can do is a dependency overide, and also if the parent of the student is on another country and the student dont have the way to get the paper work from their parent since they live on another country, you can need to do the dependent overide.
Rachael,
This may be a tricky when dealing with non-supportive parents o parents with concerns. I found the best approach is to schedule a time with the parents to address all of their concerns and enable to student to move forward. Remember - a parent's refusal to provide information is not a reason for a dependency override.
Sincerely,
Chyrl Ayers
I come accross students whose parents are just not supportive in their decision to go to our type of school. Also some parents are so wary about giving their ssn to an online site.
