Where Can Information On Authority To Use Dependency Override Be Found?

References can be found in Section 480(d)(9) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended [20 USC 1087vv(d)(9)] and in HEA 479A(a)(1) [20 USC 1087tt(a)(1)]. This authority is known as a dependency override.

Additional information can be found under Dependency Overrides in the Application and Verification Guide (AVG) volume of the FSA Handbook and in Dear Colleague Letters GEN-22-15 and GEN-11-15.

Note: Effective with the 2023-24 award year, any student determined to be independent by dependency override for a preceding award year shall be presumed to be independent for each subsequent award year at the same institution, unless the student indicates a change in circumstances or unless conflicting information exists.

Student Aid Reference Desk: For additional information, try the Student Aid Reference Desk. It is a central hub of all the important financial aid resources you need with direct links to legislation, regulation, Dear Colleague Letters, and other ED and NASFAA references. It is updated on a rolling basis with the latest news and changes. Search Professional Judgment.