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FAFSA Completion Resources for Special Populations

FAFSA Completion Resources for Special Populations

Students identified with Special Populations may have additional considerations in applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As a reminder, a student’s identification or eligibility for Special Populations’ programming is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and may only be shared in accordance with this law. School culture and climate may be negatively impacted for students if this information is shared. As a reminder, not all students may be eligible or have the support necessary to apply for the FAFSA.

  • Students Experiencing Homelessness

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act requires that each local education agency (LEA) has a liaison to serve homeless children and youth and that each liaison shall ensure that unaccompanied homeless youth (UHY) are informed of their status as independent students and can obtain assistance from the LEA liaison to receive verification of such status for purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) [42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(6)(A)(x)(III)]. This independent status for UHY allows students to submit the FAFSA without a parent’s signature or information about the parent’s income on the FASFA. LEA liaisons may be asked to verify a youth’s status as UHY.

  • Students Experiencing Foster Care

    Youth who were engaged in the foster care system after the age of 13, regardless of the outcome of the case, will file the FAFSA as “independent” and will be eligible for the full Pell Grant.     

    • Youth should indicate “YES” to the question regarding “Independent Status.”
    • If financial verification is needed for the Financial Aid Office, MDHHS will provide a DHS-945 form upon request.

    Federal Student Aid Resource: Foster Care FAFSA Information

  • Students Who have Immigrated to the United States

    Students who have immigrated to the United States may be eligible to complete the FAFSA.