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Financial aid
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Back to FAFSA® Guide 2026-27
How to answer basic questions about the other parent on the FAFSA®
Have you been asked to complete FAFSA® sections about the other parent? Find out how to answer questions about the other parent’s name, contact info, and other personal info.
Other parent identity and contact information
Why do they need this info?
- As the other parent of a dependent student, you need to provide financial and other info in the FAFSA® for the student to be considered for financial aid.
Can I skip these questions?
You can’t skip if your student is dependent. All of the following statements must be true for them to be considered dependent:
- The student was born after the year 2002.
- The student’s current marital status is Single (never married), Divorced, Separated or Widowed. (question 3 on the FAFSA® paper version)
- The student’s college grade level will be first-year, second-year, or other undergraduate. (question 4 on the FAFSA® paper version)
- They answered “None of these apply” to the Student Personal Circumstances question. (question 5 on the FAFSA® paper version).
- They answered no to the Student Other Circumstances and Student Unusual Circumstances questions (questions 6 and 7 on the FAFSA® paper version).
If any of the statements are not true, your student is independent, and other parent info is not required from you.
How to answer these questions
- Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
- Enter your Social Security number and date of birth.
- You only need to enter an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number.
- Provide a mobile number where you can be most easily reached. Don’t enter dashes.
- Enter your permanent home/mailing address.