Apply/petition in writing to the financial aid office of the college you are attending with details of your ‘’ exceptional circumstance’’. If you're applying as an independent student, verifying your dependency status can add time to your. Then contact your financial aid office to explain your situation. Undergraduate students born before jan. How to qualify as an independent student. Undergraduate students who are under age 24 as of december 31 of the award year are considered to be independent for federal. To be considered independent, student must be 24 years of age as of december 31 of the year for which you are requesting aid (e.g.: Just because a student is paying for all of his own expenses doesn’t make him an independent student for financial aid purposes. 1) at least 24 years old, 2) an orphan or in foster care, 3) an armed forces veteran, 4) a graduate. You can only qualify as an independent student on the fafsa if you are at least 24 years of age, married, on active duty in the u.s.