Filling Out the FAFSA: I Am Legally Emancipated

Legally emancipated students don't have to include their parents’ financial information on the FAFSA.
Updated
Profile photo of Anna Helhoski
Written by Anna Helhoski
Senior Writer
Profile photo of Alexandra Rice
Edited by Alexandra Rice
Fact Checked

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

🤓Nerdy Tip

When can I update my FAFSA application? The redesigned FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year is available at FAFSA.gov. After major delays, the FAFSA corrections process opened on April 16 to students and families who submitted incorrect or incomplete forms.

You can still submit the 2023-24 FAFSA until June 30, 2024.

Students who are/were emancipated minors, as determined by a court, do not have to include their parents’ financial information on the FAFSA.

Any support received from friends or relatives should be reported on Worksheet B as income for the student.

Top Private Student Loan Lenders

Ad

Best Private Student LoanOverall

5.0

/5

NerdWallet rating

Fixed APR

3.99-17.99%

Variable APR

5.59-17.99%

Min. credit score

Mid-600s

on College Ave's

on Credible

4.5

/5

NerdWallet rating

Fixed APR

4.15-15.49%

Variable APR

5.37-15.70%

Min. credit score

Mid-600's

on Sallie Mae's

on Credible

Steps for filling out the FAFSA for emancipated minors

  1. Include your personal income and assets on the FAFSA.

  2. In Step 3 (Student), check “yes” for question 50 (As determined by a court in your state of legal residence, are you or were you an emancipated minor?).

  3. Skip all of Step 4 (Parent).

  4. Report any financial support received from legal guardians or foster parents on Worksheet B as personal income.

  5. Contact your university’s financial aid office and explain your situation; see if they have university-specific advice or protocols.

Get pre-qualified in just 3 minutes with Credible
Check multiple student loan lenders to get accurate, pre-qualified rates with no impact to your credit score.

Powered by

Spot your saving opportunities
See your spending breakdown to show your top spending trends and where you can cut back.