Do both parents need to fill out FAFSA if married?
When it comes to filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), many married parents often wonder whether both of them need to complete the form. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the student’s dependency status and the parents’ financial situation. In this article, we will explore the circumstances under which both parents should fill out the FAFSA and those where only one parent is required to do so.
Dependency Status
The first factor to consider is the student’s dependency status. In general, if the student is considered dependent for federal financial aid purposes, both parents are required to fill out the FAFSA. Dependency status is determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on the student’s age, marital status, number of children, and other factors. If the student is not considered dependent, only the student’s parent or guardian may need to fill out the FAFSA.
Marital Status
If the student is considered dependent and the parents are married, the next question is whether both parents need to fill out the FAFSA. In most cases, if the parents are married, both of them should fill out the FAFSA. This is because the financial information of both parents is used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Exception: Divorce or Separation
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the parents are divorced or legally separated, the parent with whom the student lives the majority of the time is typically responsible for completing the FAFSA. If the parents share custody equally, the parent who claims the student as a dependent on their tax return should fill out the FAFSA.
Joint Custody and FAFSA
In cases where the parents have joint custody and the student lives with each parent for an equal amount of time, the parent who has physical custody for the first half of the year should fill out the FAFSA. If the student’s address changes during the year, the parent with whom the student resides for the majority of the day on the day the FAFSA is signed should complete the form.
Financial Circumstances
Even if both parents are required to fill out the FAFSA, there may be situations where one parent’s financial information is not considered. For example, if one parent has not provided financial support to the student for the past year, their financial information may not be used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal financial aid.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether both parents need to fill out the FAFSA if married depends on the student’s dependency status, marital status, and other factors. Generally, if the student is considered dependent, both parents should fill out the FAFSA. However, there are exceptions, such as divorce, separation, and joint custody situations. It is essential for parents to understand these factors to ensure that their student receives the appropriate financial aid for their education.
