Filling Out the FAFSA: My Parents Are Same-Sex Partners
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When can I submit my FAFSA application? The FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year is now open for all students. FAFSA applications for the current academic year, 2024-25, can be submitted until June 30, 2025.
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was ruled unconstitutional in June 2013, giving same-sex couples equal opportunity to participate in federal government programs such as Medicaid, military spousal benefits, and filing for financial aid for college.
Likewise, same-sex partners filling out the form could not list their spouse on the application, as the federal government did not recognize their marriage.
Now, students with married same-sex parents will list the contributions and income of both parents.
» MORE: FAFSA checklist
Steps for filling out the FAFSA for LGBT families
Fill out the FAFSA with both your parents' income and assets.
You do not need to list both parents on the FAFSA if they do not live together or they are not both your legal parents. You are required to list a step-parent who is married to your legal parent. In Step 4 (Parent), state that your parents' marital status is married if they are married.
» MORE: What are the FAFSA requirements?
