The following facts outline federal regulations
with regard to changes in dependency status due to marriage. Please
consider these facts as you make your decision on when to file for
financial assistance.
"Dependency status may not be updated as a result
of a change in marital status." {Regulatory Authority
668.55 (a)(3)}"
If you were originally designated as a dependent student
in the current award year, your status cannot be updated
to independent due to marriage.
Students who are not 24 years of age by December 31 of
the award year must submit a marriage license.
Your marital status as of the date you filed for financial
assistance will be used. Conflicting information will be
investigated.
For example, if a dependent student marries after filing the aid application,
the student may not update the dependency status but would have to
remain dependent even if he or she would not be claimed by the parents
as a tax exemption in the relevant year. This situation is particularly
significant to students who are not otherwise independent and are
planning to get married.
Remember, waiting until after your marriage to file as independent
may risk a delay in receiving financial assistance and/or the unavailability
of campus-based funding.
For more information and counseling regarding this matter, please
contact the FHSU Financial Assistance Office.
