What information is involved in a 'Dependency Override' process?

The process of a 'Dependency Override' is specifically focused on evaluating special circumstances that permit a dependent student to be classified as independent for financial aid purposes. This comes into play when a student faces extraordinary situations that affect their ability to rely on their parents for financial support, such as abuse, abandonment, or other significant hardships.

When a dependency override is granted, it enables a student to apply for financial aid without needing to report their parents' income, allowing for a clearer assessment of their actual financial situation. This recognition of unique individual circumstances is crucial for determining aid eligibility fairly and appropriately, acknowledging that traditional definitions of dependency may not apply to every student's situation.

The other options, while related to financial situations, do not capture the essence of what a dependency override entails. General family income information is typically used in standard calculations of financial aid eligibility but does not directly relate to the override. Proof of residency and documentation proving prior college attendance are also not relevant to the unique considerations that inform a dependency override.