• Create studentaid.gov account
• SSN card
• Driver’s license number
• W-2 and other records of money earned
• Your (and your spouse’s, if you are married) Federal Income Tax Return
• Your parents’ Federal Income Tax return (if you are a dependent student)
• Documents showing veterans benefits, child support or worker’s compensation
• Current bank statements
• Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records.

You are independent if you answer yes to one of the following questions:

• Are you 24?
• As of today, are you married?
• Are you working on a master’s or doctorate program?
• Are you currently serving active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
  • Answer yes, if you are currently serving in the US Armed Forces or a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who is on active duty for other than state or training purposes.
  • Answer no, if you are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who is on active duty for state or training purposes.
• Are you a veteran of the US Armed Forces?
  • Answer yes, if you have 1)engaged in active duty in the US Armed Forces or are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who was called to active duty for other than state or training purposes, or were a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies and 2) were released under a condition other than dishonorable.
  • Answer no, 1) if you have never engaged in active duty in the US Armed Forces, 2) are currently a ROTC student or cadet or midshipman at a service academy, or 3) are a National Guard or Reserve enlistee activated only for state or training purposes, or 4) were engaged in active duty in the US Armed Forces but released under dishonorable conditions.

See the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for additional dependency questions.

Yes, you will need to list accurate information from your documentation. If your income has significantly changed, please visit Apply for Aid and follow the “Special Circumstances steps.” We may adjust your income to reflect what you are expecting to receive for the year that you are a student.

You would only list combat pay that was taxable and included in your adjusted gross income. You will exclude anything listed on your W-2 (Box 12, Code Q).

You will list the amount of your VA Disability under untaxed income.

No, you only list non-educational VA benefits.

If you have dependent care expenses, you may submit a 2025-2026 Request to Change Cost of Attendance form through your Financial Aid Portal to increase your budget. This will only initiate a review process and does not guarantee increased aid.