For the 2008-2009 academic year, you are an independent student IF at least one of the following applies to you:

• You were born before January 1, 1984; or
  
• You are or will be enrolled in a graduate professional program at the beginning of the 2007-08 academic years; or
  
• You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training; or
  
• You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. (A "veteran" includes students who attended a U.S. service academy and were released under a condition other than dishonorable. For more detail on who is considered a veteran, see the explanatory notes on the FAFSA); or
  
• You are married on the day you apply (even if you are separated but not divorced); or
  
• Either your parents are deceased, or you are (or were until age 18) a ward or dependent of the court; or
  
• You have children who receive more than half their support from you; or
  
• You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you at the time you apply and through June 30, 2009.