Filling Out the FAFSA: My Parents Were Never Married
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When can I update my FAFSA application? The redesigned FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year is available at FAFSA.gov. Applications can be submitted until June 30, 2025. The FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year is expected to open in December 2024.
Biological parents who were never married and don't live together are treated similarly to parents that have been divorced. One parent, referred to as the "custodial parent", will complete the FAFSA.
The custodial parent is the parent you have lived with the most in the past 12 months. Starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the custodial parent will be the one who provides the most financial support.
If your custodial parent receives child support or alimony, you must list that as income on the FAFSA. From the 2024-25 FAFSA onward, individuals not exempt from reporting assets, like those meeting certain income and tax filing requirements, will report child support as an asset instead of untaxed income.
If your parents were never married but live together, then you must provide information for both parents.
» MORE: FAFSA checklist
Steps for Filling Out the FAFSA if your parents were never married
In Step 4 (Parent), state that your parents' marital status is "single."
Determine which of your parents is your "custodial parent."
Fill out the FAFSA with your custodial parent's income and assets.
Do not include your "non-custodial" parent in your reported household size unless they live with you and receive more than 50% of their financial support from your custodial parent.
Report financial support you receive from your "non-custodial" parent under the category of untaxed income.
Contact your university’s financial aid office and explain your situation; see if they have university-specific advice or protocols. They may ask you to fill out a non-custodial parent form.
