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Financial Aid > Apply for Aid Revised 7/16/08

2008-2009 Independent Student Definition

Does one of the following conditions apply to you?

  • You were born before January 1, 1985.
  • You are married.
  • You have children who receive more than 50% of their support from you.
  • You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who will receive more than 50% of their support from you now through June 30, 2009.
  • Both parents are deceased or you are (or were until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court.
  • You are currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training.

You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
If so . . . according to Federal regulations, you automatically are considered self-supporting (not dependent upon parents/legal guardians). Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (opens in a new window)

If not . . . you still may be self-supporting if all of the following apply to you:

  • You have not resided with your parents for the entire calendar years of 2006 and 2007 nor do you live with them currently.
  • You are not currently covered under your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) medical insurance currently nor were you for the entire calendar years of 2006 and 2007.
  • You had resources (taxable, non-taxable and student financial aid) of a minimum $8,450 in 2006 and $8,750 in 2007 (loans and gifts from family and friends cannot be included).
  • Your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) did not claim you as a tax exemption for 2006 or 2007.

If all four (4) conditions (at right) apply to you, please provide the NMC Financial Aid Office with all of the following:

  1. Copy of your current driver's license or Michigan Personal Identification Card.
  2. Written verification from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) medical insurance company of family members covered from Jan.1, 2006 through the current date.
  3. Signed copy of your 2006 and 2007 IRS tax returns (including all schedules).
  4. Signed copy of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) 2006 and 2007 IRS tax returns (including all schedules).

Unusual Situation

Unusual situations include changes in a student's dependency status due to parental abandonment or abuse. In place of the above cited documentation please provide to our office:

  1. A signed statement by the student explaining their situation in detail;
  2. A minimum of two letters (three are preferred) from third parties that know the students' circumstances (such as a teacher, high school counselor or member of the clergy). These letters must detail:
    1. the specific situation the student found themselves in,
    2. how that situation was rectified,
    3. where and with whom the student is now residing and
    4. how the student is being supported.

Your dependency status will be determined after receipt of all documents. You will be contacted with the determination.

Financial Aid Office
Northwestern Michigan College
1701 E Front Street
Traverse City MI 49686-3061
(231) 995.1035 Fax: (231) 995.1570

 
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