§1087uu–2 Special rules for independent students

Summary

Financial aid administrators must follow set rules when a student says they are independent because they are an unaccompanied homeless youth, unaccompanied and at risk of homelessness, self-supporting, or were in foster care. If the student gives a written or recorded phone statement, or a verifiable electronic match, that comes from certain trusted people or programs, the administrator should accept it unless there is conflicting proof. Trusted sources include a school homeless liaison, a shelter or outreach program director, a TRIO or GEAR UP program director, or a financial aid officer at another school. If none of those sources can provide verification, the administrator must look at a written statement or interview with the student that confirms the student’s situation and make a decision without judging why the student became homeless or self-supporting. If a school asks for proof that a student was in foster care at age 13 or older, acceptable proof can be a court or state paper saying the student got foster care support, verification from state or tribal child-welfare or Medicaid agencies or foster-care agencies, a statement from an attorney or guardian ad litem or CASA, proof of Chafee voucher eligibility, or verification from another school’s financial aid office. Decisions must be made as quickly as possible, may be made as early as the year before the award year, and must be finished no later than 60 days after the student enrolls. A student found independent at one year is presumed independent at the same school in later years unless things change or the school has clear conflicting information. Administrators may rely on earlier documented decisions by other aid officers, and they must keep all related records, including interviews, for at least the student’s enrollment plus any extra time the Secretary requires.