06.03.09 | Is a Pregnant Student Independent?
It depends when the child is going to be born if the student will earn a dependent or independent status.
The relevant language from the Application and Verification Guide states, “Students who have legal dependents are independent. Legal dependents comprise children (including those who will be born before the end of the award year) of the student who receive more than half their support from the student.
So if the baby will be born before the end of the award year than you may be granted an independent status to get more funds for school, provided you are supporting yourself.
If you still live at home and Mom and Dad are supporting you than the unborn child will most likely be listed under “family size” and that would keep your status dependent as you would still be dependent.
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This was very helpful! Someone finally answered this question! Thank you!
September 28th, 2009 | #