Special Circumstances

You indicated on the FAFSA that you are unable to include your parents' income information due to special circumstances. The Federal government gives each school's financial aid administrators the ability to treat a student as independent and not require parent information in special circumstances.

If you indicated that you had special circumstances in error, please correct your FAFSA and resubmit it including your parent information. Approximately 5 business days after making the correction, please check the financial aid checklist on the FIT portal to see if any further action is required.

Dependency Override

The process to treat a student as independent and not require parent information in special circumstances is called a Dependency Override. A Dependency Override allows for a student’s FAFSA to be processed without parent information or signature. 

Special circumstances that can lead to a Dependency Override include but are not limited to:

  • Cases of parental abuse, abandonment or estrangement from parents
  • Being homeless or at risk of being homeless
  • Student or parent incarceration
  • Being a victim of human trafficking
  • Being legally granted refugee or asylum status

Government regulations specifically prohibit financial aid offices from granting a Dependency Override to a student solely because:

  • Parents refuse to contribute to the student’s education
  • Parents are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification
  • Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
  • Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency

How to Apply for a Dependency Override

To apply for a Dependency Override you must submit a letter explaining your special circumstances and supporting documentation. 

Your letter may require you to share personal information but it is kept confidential. If you think it will be helpful, you can contact an FIT Financial Aid Counselor to discuss your circumstances before attempting to explain in writing. We recommend writing your letter in a way that explains the history of your situation with your parents and it must include both biological parents. There is no required length to your letter but it is best to make the history and timeline of your circumstances as clear as possible. 

Along with your letter, supporting documentation must be provided. Supporting documentation can be:

  • Government, court and/or law enforcement documents
  • Third party letters from counselors, therapists, social workers, teachers, and/or clergy who are familiar with your circumstances
  • Letters from family members, neighbors and/or friends who are familiar with your circumstances

Please note that letters from family members, neighbors and/or friends are not considered as strong as government, court and/or law enforcement documents or third party letters. The supporting documentation should confirm what is stated in your letter. 

We will respond to Dependency Override requests within 8-10 business days. 

To submit your letter and documentation please use the Financial Aid Document Uploader on the FIT portal at MyFIT.fitnyc.edu. If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Services office at (212) 217-3560 or by email at [email protected]. 

The decision of Financial Aid Services administrators regarding Dependency Overrides is final and cannot be appealed to the Department of Education.