Dependent Status Review via Unusual Circumstance Appeal

Your dependency status determines whose information you must report completing the FAFSA.

If you're a dependent student, you must include your parent or contributor’s information on the FAFSA.

However, in certain situations, dependency status may not reflect your actual circumstances. If this applies to you, a financial aid administrator can re-evaluate your status through an Unusual Circumstances Appeal.

Who is Considered Independent?

You are classified as independent student if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

24 years or older.
Married.
Enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program.
Veteran or active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member (excluding training).
Orphan, ward/dependent of the court, or in foster care after reaching the age of 13.
Supporting at least one legal dependent (other than a spouse).
Emancipated minor under legal guardianship of someone other than a parent before age 18.
Homeless or at risk of homelessness.

If you're unsure of your status, refer to the FAFSA website for guidance.

What is an Unusual Circumstance Appeal?

An Unusual Circumstance Appeal allows a financial aid administrator to override the standard dependency criteria due to serious family circumstances. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and require proper documentation.

Examples of Unusual Circumstances

Parental abandonment, estrangement or incarceration.
Abusive or unsafe family environment.
Parental incapacitation or institutionalization.
Death of a custodial parent with no contact with the other parent.
Victim of human trafficking.
Refugee or asylee status.
Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Examples That Do Not Qualify for Unusual Circumstances

Parents refuse to contribute to your education costs.
Parents won’t provide information for the FAFSA or verification.
Parents don’t claim you on their tax return.
You live independently or demonstrate total self-sufficiency.

Unusual Circumstance Appeal Process

Approval is not guaranteed, and an approved appeal does not guarantee an increase in financial aid eligibility.
All required documents must be submitted before your appeal can be reviewed.
Appeals approved at other institutions do not transfer to UND. You must complete UND's appeal process.
If approved for a dependency override at UND, you will remain independent for future financial aid years unless your circumstances change or conflicting information is received.

How to Submit an Unusual Circumstance Appeal

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Ensure you have completed the FAFSA for the applicable aid year.

Step 2: Fill Out the Unusual Circumstance Appeal Form

Gather all required documentation and fill out the form.

2024-25 UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCE APPEAL FORM

2025-26 UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCE APPEAL FORM

Step 3: Submit Documentation

Choose one of the following methods to submit your forms and documentation:

Electronically: Use the Secure File Drop to protect sensitive information.
In person: Stop by the One-Stop office in the Memorial Union.
By mail:
UND One-Stop Student Services
Memorial Union Rm 302
2901 University Ave Stop 7155
Grand Forks, ND 58202-7155

Do not email W-2s, tax forms or other personal information. Only documents submitted electrically through the Secure File Drop will be accepted.

Step 4: Monitor Your UND Email

Watch your UND student email for updates.
Additional documentation may be requested by a financial aid administrator.

Step 5: Await Review

Once all required documents are received, the appeal will be reviewed.
Typical processing time is 15–30 business days.
You’ll be notified of the decision via email.

Submission Deadlines

Appeals and documentation must be submitted before the last day of the semester/academic year you are appealing. Appeals cannot be processed after the enrollment period ends.
To avoid delays, submit your appeal at least 3 weeks before the last day of the semester.