<prompt> Human: I am 21. I have lived independently from both of my parents for over 3 years. Worked full time, paid my own bills including health insurance and have paved my own way through life without help from anyone. Ive done everything myself. My parents have not filed taxes with me as a dependent, I have filed my own taxes as independent. Im in the process of applying for FASFA because I want to better myself and get an education. Apparently, despite all of this hardship, i still technically dependent on my parents when it comes to applying for FASFA unless Im over the age of 24. Theyre going to determine the amount of aid I receive based off the income of people who are not going contribute anything at all to my education. I have not applied yet and have considered ditching the entire thing altogether. Im very upset by this and Im not sure where to turn to. Receiving financial help from either of my parents is not an option as they are both unable and unwilling to contribute. My question would be, is there a loophole? Or any other way of getting around this obstacle? I really would like to get an education. Im looking at starting at a community college, then transferring since my high school grades were not stellar, and it would save me money. Thanks guys in advance for any advice.EDIT: Anyone wanna get married for financial independence? Lol  <response>: Most schools have an exemption process, but unfortunately youre probably not eligible because it requires you to basically say your parents are shit bags and unable to provide you to help. Its meant to help people whos parents either went into rehab or became legally unavailable to help after they turned 18 so the state couldnt make them a ward of the state.Im going through this right now with a girl Ive been helping out since her mom is a POS. It involved a statement from her, two letters from two people at different addresses who were professionals and knew her and the situation, as well as a whole ton of documentation of her mom being a POS.Ironically, her brother got declared an independent when the whole thing went down by the court in a heart beat because he was 17. She was 18 and is now stuck in documentation hell.But either way, you can try, talk to your financial aid office. 