Not for FAFSA purposes. There are seven ways to file as an independent on FAFSA.
When you apply for federal student aid, your answers to the questions in Step 3 of the FAFSA (or in Step 2 of the online FAFSA, FAFSA on the Web) will determine whether you’re considered dependent on your parents or independent. If you’re considered dependent, you must report on the FAFSA your parents’ income and assets as well as your own. If you’re independent, you’ll report only your own income and assets (and those of your spouse, if you’re married).
Not living with your parents or not being claimed by them on their tax form does not determine your dependency status.
For the 2004-2005 academic year, you’re an independent student if at least one of the following applies to you:
You were born before January 1, 1981.
You’re married as of the day you apply (or separated but not divorced).
You are or will be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program (beyond a bachelor’s degree) at the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year.
You have children who receive more than half their support from you.
You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you and will continue to receive more than half their support from you through June 30, 2005.
Both your parents are deceased, or you are or were (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court.
You’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. (A “veteran” includes students who attended a U.S. service academy and who were released under a condition other than dishonorable. For more detail on who is considered a veteran, see the explanatory notes on the FAFSA.)
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/pu...dependency.htm