Am I a Veteran for FAFSA Purposes?

Veteran Status for FAFSA Purposes

For FAFSA purposes, veteran status is very different than for VA purposes. The FAFSA processor will perform a data match with VA records to determine veteran status. Students born after 1/1/2001 with veteran status do not have to show their parent’s income and assets on the FAFSA form.

A student is considered to be an independent student if he or she is a veteran of the US Armed Forces, which is defined in Section 480(c)(1) to mean any individual who:
- Has engaged in active duty in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard; and
- was released under a condition other than dishonorable.
Members of the National Guard or Reserves are only considered veterans if they were called up to active Federal duty by presidential order for a purpose other than training.
- A member of the National Guard or Reserves called up to active "State" duty only is not considered a veteran.
- A key issue is whether they were under the control of a regular component of the US Armed Forces or remained under the control of the National Guard or Reserves.
Students currently attending a US military academy and ROTC students are not considered veterans.
A student must have been released from active duty to be considered a veteran. If the student is still on active duty and will be released by June 30th of the school year, he or she is considered a veteran.

Alternate Evidence Showing Veteran Status

If the data match during FAFSA processing with VA records doesn’t show veteran status, the student will have an error and will need to provide other evidence:

a Member 4 copy of a DD 214,
an *Honorable Discharge Certificate, or
*Statement of Service letter from a commanding officer showing Character of Service

*A school may still require a DD 214).