For Students Whose Parents Are Divorced, Have Joint Custody But Live Separately, Will the Student Need To Report the Income Of Both Parents?

No. Beginning with the 2024-25 award year, for divorced or separated parents, income and assets are reported for the parent who provides the most financial support over the 12 months prior to filing the FAFSA even if the student does not live with that parent or lives with the other parent. The parent is self-reported on the FAFSA by the parent, and unless there is conflicting information, there is currently no requirement to verify or otherwise confirm which parent provides the greater portion of support.

See the AskRegs Knowledgebase Q&A: Who Is the Parent Of Record On the FAFSA Starting In 2024-25? (Award Year: 2024-25)

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.