When it comes to your financial aid application (FAFSA), you can (and should) claim your child as a dependent if you provided over 50% of the child’s financial support.
If you claim your child as a dependent and are selected for financial aid verification, you will be asked to provide documentation to verify the financial support of your child. Documentation may include W-2s, daycare receipts, a SNAP benefits award letter, and itemized receipts for basic needs.
It’s a good idea to organize these documents when you apply to see what you have and what might be missing. If you cannot provide documentation, you may have to revise your financial aid application before receiving funding for school.
Review FAFSA “Household Size” information page to learn more about dependent children on your application.