Financial Aid Office
Suite H-704 - Athens Campus
706- 355-5009 / 706- 425-3086 Fax
[email protected]
2016-2017 Dependency Appeal
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The Federal methodology assumes that the primary responsibilities for paying college costs rest with the
family. Federal regulations permit Athens Tech to exercise professional judgment in determining if
unusual circumstances can be documented to make the student independent for federal financial aid
purposes. This determination is made on a case-by-case basis.
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STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Complete the attached Dependency Appeal
2) Secure at least three written sources of documentation from other appropriate persons or agencies
confirming the specifics as identified in the appeal.
a) Documentation must either be on official letterhead or notarized.
b) Letters detailing the history of the student/parent relationship should be provided by:
1) An adult relative (24 years or older); specify relationship to you or
2) An adult professional, such as a high school counselor, physician, minister, attorney, social
agency employee, etc.
3) Attach documentation showing resources for 2015 (e.g. signed 2015 signed Income Tax Transcript,
2015 W2 statement or other proof of resources).
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None of the conditions listed below, singly or in combination, qualify as unusual circumstances or
merit dependency override:
Parents refuse to contribute to the student’s education
Parents are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA
Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency
Student has been “on their own” for several years
Student does not communicate with parents
Student was previously considered independent for the purpose of receiving financial aid but does not
meet the current definition for 2016-2017.
8) Student is divorced at the time of filing and does not meet one of the current definitions for 20162017.
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REVIEW OF EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
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Extenuating circumstances do include an abusive family environment or abandonment by parents and
may cause any of the above conditions. In such cases a dependency override might be warranted. On a
case-by-case basis, the Office of Student Financial Aid will exercise professional judgment in determining
if unusual circumstances exist and if adequate documentation has been provided. The student will be
notified by mail.
Retain this instruction sheet for your records. You need only turn in the attached
Independency Appeal Form. Please keep copies of your documents. The office cannot
return documents or provide copies at a later date.
As set forth in its student catalog, Athens Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender,
religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances
permitted or mandated by law).
Financial Aid Office
Suite H-704 - Athens Campus
706- 355-5009 / 706- 425-3086 Fax
[email protected]
2016-2017 Dependency Appeal
Name
SS#
Address
Phone #
City
State
Zip
1. Explain the unusual circumstances that make it impossible for your parents to complete the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (Attach an additional sheet if necessary).
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2. Explain how you are meeting your living expenses without parental assistance. (Attach an
additional sheet if necessary).
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I declare under penalty of perjury that the information provided for this appeal is true and correct.
Student’s Signature_________________________________________Date________________
As set forth in its student catalog, Athens Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender,
religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances
permitted or mandated by law).