Student Forms

Petition for Independent Student Status due to Unusual Circumstances

If you indicated you’re not able to provide parental information due to unusual circumstances when you submitted the FAFSA, you may be eligible for Independent Student Status. Some examples of unusual circumstances include human trafficking, refugee or asylee status, parental abandonment and incarceration.

A parent’s unwillingness to complete the FAFSA or assist in financing the student’s education is not considered unusual circumstances. The choice of a student to no longer live with a parent is not considered unusual circumstances.

In order for the school to determine your dependency status, we need additional information from you. Listed below is the information you will need to submit to our office. Submit the documentation by using the SCC Document Uploader. Other ways to submit the paperwork include by mail, fax, or in person at either campus.

1. A personal letter from you explaining why you are unable to provide parental information. The letter should be one to two pages and you should provide as much detail as possible describing your separation from your parents. You are required to include the following information in your letter:
   1. Why you are not able to provide parental information on the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Describe in detail when and why the permanent separation from both your parents occurred.
   2. The whereabouts of your biological father and his current living arrangements. If you do not know, explain why. Include the date and nature of the last contact you had with your biological father and the frequency of contact with him over the past three (3) years.
   3. The whereabouts of your biological mother and her current living arrangements. If you do not know, explain why. Include the date and nature of the last contact you had with your biological mother and the frequency of contact with her over the past three (3) years.
   4. Your living arrangements over the past three (3) years. Include the names with whom you resided, the addresses and the dates.
   5. For each of the past three (3) years, explain how you have paid for rent, food, transportation, utilities, etc. Be specific.
   6. Your name, signature and date, SCC student or star ID.
2. Two letters from individuals from the community who can attest to your situation. Examples of individuals from the community include, a school official, clergy, social worker, counselor, landlord, employer, medical authority. Their letter should be one to two pages and provide as much detail as possible describing your permanent separation from your parents. They are required to include the following information in their letter:
   1. Why you are not able to provide parental information. They need to describe in detail when and why the permanent separation from both your parents occurred.
   2. They’ll need to clearly outline their knowledge of you and how you are self-supporting.
   3. The individual’s name, title or position, address, the date and their signature.
3. A copy of your 2024 and 2025 Federal Income Tax Return Transcripts (1040, 1040A or 1040EZ). To request a Tax Return Transcript go to IRS.gov and Select ‘Get Your Tax Record’. Or use the automated phone system by calling 1-800-908-9946. If you did not file a federal tax return contact our office.
4. A completed and signed 2026-2027 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you have not already filed your FAFSA, file it electronically at www.studentaid.gov and send the results to South Central College (005537).

Petition to Receive Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan Only due to Parent Refusal to Provide Information

If your parents are refusing to provide their information on the FAFSA, you may be eligible to receive an Unsubsidized Federal Student Loan.

Federal law states that a dependent student (based on the federal financial aid definition) whose parents (both mother and father) have permanently ended all financial support of the student and refuse to complete the parent section of the FAFSA, may be eligible for ONLY a Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan at the dependent yearly loan limits. No other aid is allowed.

The South Central College Financial Aid Office will make the final determination whether or not to allow the student to borrow a Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan without parental information.

In order for SCC to make this determination, the following four items must be submitted to our office.

1. The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov
2. A personal letter from you. The letter should be one to two pages and provide as much detail as possible and include the following:
   1. Why you are asking this petition to be considered.
   2. The names, addresses, and phone numbers for both your father (step-father) and your mother (step-mother).
   3. Why you believe both of your parents have permanently ended all their financial support of you. Provide the date which this occurred and why.
   4. Why you believe both of your parents are refusing to complete the parent section of the FAFSA application. Describe the conversations you have had with them and the outcome of those conversations.
   5. Your living arrangements over the past two (2) years. Include the names with whom you resided, the addresses, and the dates.
   6. For each of the past two (2) years, explain how you have paid for rent, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, etc. Be specific.
   7. Your name, date, signature and Star ID.
3. A letter from your mother/stepmother/parent 1. Their letter should be one to two pages and provide as much detail as possible and include:
   1. Why they have permanently ended all financial support of you. Provide the date in which this occurred and why.
   2. Why they are refusing to complete the parent section of the FAFSA application.
   3. Why they feel it is the responsibility of the federal government to provide financial support to you when they are refusing that parental responsibility.
   4. Their name, address, phone number, date, and signature.
4. A letter from your father/stepfather/parent 2. Their letter should be one to two pages and provide as much detail as possible and include:
   1. Why they have permanently ended all financial support of you. Provide the date in which this occurred and why.
   2. Why they are refusing to complete the parent section of the FAFSA application.
   3. Why they feel it is the responsibility of the federal government to provide financial support to you when they are refusing that parental responsibility.
   4. Their name, address, phone number, date, and signature.

Submit the required documentation by using the SCC Document Uploader. Other ways to submit the paperwork include by mail, fax, or in person at either campus.