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Most undergraduate students are dependent and must provide parent information on the FAFSA or CADAA. Students who have an adverse family situation (i.e., severe estrangement from parents, unsafe home environment, physical or emotional abuse, abandonment, experiencing homelessness, etc.) are encouraged to submit a Unusual Circumstance (Independence) Appeal.Ìý

This appeal is for applicants who would like to request a review of their dependency status for financial aid consideration. Please read the following information before submitting anÌýUnusual Circumstance (Independence) Appeal. Federal regulations state that a student is considered independent for financial aid if he or she can answer yes to any one of theÌý on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

If you do not meet any of the criteria and feel your circumstances warrant review for independent status, submit this appeal, and supporting documents.

Please note, that a student is notÌýconsidered independent solely based on:

• self-sufficiency
• a parent's unwillingness to provide information
• a parent's unwillingness to assist with educational expenses
• a parent not claiming the student as a dependent for income tax purposes

If you have read the above and wish to submit anÌýUnusual Circumstance (Independence) Appeal, begin the appeal process by submitting viaÌý