The family size of an independent student refers to the number of people considered part of the student's family for financial aid purposes. This includes the student themselves, their spouse, and any dependents they have. If the student is divorced or separated, their ex-spouse is not counted, but the student and their dependents are included in the family size calculation.
This term is primarily used in the context of financial aid applications for higher education. It is important for determining eligibility for various types of student assistance, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Understanding family size can significantly impact the amount of financial aid a student may receive. Users can manage these applications using legal templates provided by US Legal Forms, which are drafted by licensed attorneys to ensure compliance with current laws.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, if an independent student is married and has two children, their family size would be four: the student, their spouse, and two dependents. Conversely, if the same student were divorced, their family size would only include themselves and their children, totaling three.
Pursuant to 20 USCS § 1087vv (l) (2), the guidelines for determining family size for independent students are outlined. This statute provides the framework for how family members are counted in financial aid assessments.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent Student | A student who relies on their parents for financial support. | Dependent students include their parents in family size calculations. |
| Independent Student | A student who is financially self-sufficient and does not rely on their parents. | Independent students do not include parents in family size, only their spouse and dependents. |
If you are an independent student applying for financial aid, ensure that you accurately report your family size on your application. Consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you navigate the application process. If your situation is complex, consulting a legal professional may be beneficial.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Who is included | Student, spouse, dependents |
| Who is excluded | Ex-spouse |
| Importance | Determines financial aid eligibility |
If you have no dependents, your family size will include just you and your spouse, if applicable.