2009 FAFSA Includes New Questions for Foster Youth The 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid has six additional
questions for students who have been in foster care or in legal
guardianship. . The wording of these questions is more explicit
regarding dependency status. The age limit for independent status
has been lowered from 16 to 13 for foster youth. The changes also
clarify criteria by which to identify a student considered an emancipated
minor or an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Asks whether a youth is an orphan or a ward of the court. The youth is considered independent if he/she was a ward of the court at any time from age 13 on. Youth who have been returned home or placed in the care of relatives by the court after their 13th birthday can still answer yes to this question. Verification of ward of the court must include documentation from a third-party agency such as the court or social services.
Asks whether a youth is legally emancipated or was placed in legal guardianship. Emancipated minor is a formal legal status that must be declared by a court of law. The court order must still be in effect at the time the student files the FAFSA.
Defines the federal
criteria for homelessness as an unaccompanied youth under the age
of 21 who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The verification
process may require a letter from a high school or school district
homeless liaison, an emergency shelter or transitional housing program
funded by HUD, or by a director of a runaway or homeless youth center
or transitional living program.
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