Unaccompanied Homeless

On this page:

• Unaccompanied Homeless Status
• Unaccompanied Homeless Policy
• How to Complete the Unaccompanied Homeless Verification Process
• Supporting Documentation
• FAFSA Filing Instructions
• Definitions
• Renewal of Unaccompanied Homeless Verification
   

Unaccompanied Homeless Status

Most unmarried students under the age of 24 are considered dependent students and are required to provide parental information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  However, a student may be considered independent for federal student aid purposes if they meet the criteria for being unaccompanied and homeless, or self-supporting and at risk of homelessness.

If you meet these criteria, the Office of Financial Aid can review your situation on a case-by-case basis through the Unaccompanied Homeless Verification Process. Students verified as unaccompanied and homeless are not required to provide parental information on their FAFSA.

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Unaccompanied Homeless Policy

Each year, the Office of Financial Aid reviews cases of students who are unaccompanied and either homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.
Students may be deemed independent after completing the Unaccompanied Homeless Verification Process, which requires submitting the Unaccompanied Homeless Verification Form and supporting documentation.

Important Dates

• Students may begin submitting materials as early as December, before the start of the next academic year.
• To ensure processing and potential adjustments to aid, it is highly recommended to submit materials by April 1, before the end of the academic year, as forms cannot be accepted after the academic year ends or if the student is no longer enrolled. This allows time for reviewing documentation and, if applicable, awarding and applying aid.

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How to Complete the Unaccompanied Homeless Verification Process

1. Complete the Unaccompanied Homeless Verification Form.
2. Gather supporting documentation.
3. Submit all materials to Enrollment Services.

Submitting a Verification Form and supporting documentation does not guarantee approval for independent status. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All information is kept confidential.

 

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Supporting Documentation

Students must provide a signed statement from a third-party professional verifying that the student meets the definition of being unaccompanied and homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless. This person should know and understand the student’s current circumstances.

Acceptable third-party professionals include:

• Written on official letterhead (if available)
• Student’s full name (as listed in university records)
• Relationship between the professional and the student
• Verification that the student is unaccompanied and homeless, or self-supporting and at risk of homelessness
• Name, title, phone number, organization, and address of the professional

The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to contact the individual who provides the supporting documentation.

If You Cannot Provide Documentation:

If you are unable to obtain a third-party verification letter, please contact Enrollment Services to discuss your circumstances.  Alternative documentation may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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FAFSA Filing Instructions

1. File your FAFSA online at studentaid.gov.
2. Add Wright State University to your application using our school code: 003078.
3. Indicate your status as an unaccompanied homeless youth, if applicable:
   • Select “Yes” to the homeless question.
   • Choose the appropriate option for who provided your homeless determination.
   • If you have not received a determination from an eligible agency, you will be considered provisionally independent. This means you do not need to include your parents' information. We will follow up with you to request documentation confirming your status.

Important: Documentation may be required to complete the review of your FAFSA.

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Definitions

• Unaccompanied—When a student is not living in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
• Homeless—Lacking fixed, regular, and adequate housing. For example, temporarily living with other people because they have nowhere else to go; living in substandard housing; living in emergency or transitional shelters (FEMA trailers after disasters); living in motels, camping grounds, cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or any public place not designed for humans to live; or living in the school dormitory if the student would otherwise be homeless.
  • Self-supporting—When a student pays for their own living expenses, including fixed, regular, and adequate housing.
  • At risk of being homeless—When a student’s housing may cease to be fixed, regular, and adequate, for example, a student who is being evicted and has been unable to find fixed, regular, and adequate housing.
  • Fixed housing—Stationary, permanent, and not subject to change.
  • Regular housing—Used on a predictable, routine, or consistent basis.
  • Adequate housing—Sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in the home.
• Parent—A student’s biological or adoptive parent. A student’s stepparent, foster parent, or legal guardian is not considered a parent unless they have adopted the student.
   

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Renewal of Unaccompanied Homeless Verification

Dependency overrides for students with unusual circumstances are reviewed annually.  If Wright State previously verified you as homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be eligible to renew your Independent Status for the upcoming aid year—as long as your circumstances have not changed.

Here's how the renewal process works:

1. Eligible students will be assigned the Renewal of Unaccompanied Homeless Verification form in WINGS.
2. After submitting the form, the Office of Financial Aid will confirm that you’ve affirmed your circumstances remain unchanged.  If verified, a dependency override will be granted for the new aid year.