Claiming Independence: A Guide For Rutgers University Students

Rutgers University offers a range of financial aid options and tax benefits for students, including scholarships, fellowships, and grants. The specific options available to a student depend on their residency status, which is determined by the Undergraduate Admissions Office based on the information provided in the admissions application. Students who are US citizens or permanent residents can apply for federal financial aid by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Students who wish to be considered independent for financial aid purposes and claim themselves on their tax returns need to complete the family size worksheet for independent students.

Complete the family size worksheet for independent students

To complete the family size worksheet for independent students at Rutgers University, you must first determine if you are an independent student. The university considers you an independent student if you did not provide parent information on the FAFSA.

If you are an independent student, you will need to complete the family size worksheet for independent students for the appropriate aid year. Here are the steps to complete the process:

Step 1: Order a Verification of Non-Filing (VONF) Letter

Submit the Verification of Non-Filing (VONF) Letter to the Office of Financial Aid, ensuring that your student RU-ID is included on every page. This step is mandatory for parents and independent students who have not and will not file a tax return. You can find instructions on how to order a VONF Letter on the IRS website.

Step 2: Submit a Signed Family Size Non-Filer Statement Form

You will need to indicate whether you were employed or not during the tax year in question. If you were employed, you must submit any applicable W-2 forms. If you were not employed and had no income, you will need to check the appropriate box on the form.

Step 3: In-Person Verification

All students attending Rutgers University must appear in person at the New Brunswick, Newark, or Camden Office of Financial Aid to verify their identity. You will need to present your original, government-issued photo identification. Do not sign the form before appearing in person.

For students enrolled in a distance education program, you may appear in person to a Notary Public, who will complete the Notary Certificate of Acknowledgment on your behalf and witness your signature on the form. After this, you must mail the completed and notarized document, along with a copy of your government-issued identification, to the Rutgers University Office of Financial Aid.

Submit a Verification of Non-Filing (VONF) Letter

To claim yourself as an independent student at Rutgers University, you may be required to submit a Verification of Non-Filing (VONF) Letter. This is necessary if you, as an independent student, did not and will not file a tax return. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to submit a VONF letter:

Step 1: Order a VONF Letter

Visit the IRS website (irs.gov) and navigate to the "Get Transcript" section. You can choose to get your transcript online or by mail. Once the option is available, select "Verification of Non-Filing Letter". This will allow you to obtain proof that you did not file a tax return.

Step 2: Submit the VONF Letter to the Office of Financial Aid

Once you have received the VONF Letter from the IRS, you need to submit it to the Rutgers University Office of Financial Aid. Make sure to include your student RU-ID on every page of the document. This step is crucial to provide documentation of your non-filing status.

Step 3: Submit Additional Forms

Along with the VONF Letter, you may be required to submit additional forms, depending on your situation. If you are a dependent student, you will need to verify that you have not and do not plan to file a tax return by checking the appropriate box on the form and providing your signature. If you had any earnings, you must provide copies of your W-2 forms.

Step 4: Contact the Office of Financial Aid for Assistance

If you encounter any issues or have specific questions regarding the VONF Letter or your financial aid application, don't hesitate to contact the Rutgers University Office of Financial Aid. They can provide guidance and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

It is important to follow these steps accurately and provide all the required documentation to ensure a smooth financial aid application process at Rutgers University. Remember that the Office of Financial Aid is available to support you throughout this process.

Submit a signed Family Size Non-Filer Statement Form

To claim as an independent student at Rutgers University, you must submit a signed Family Size Non-Filer Statement Form. This is a crucial step in the process, and here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, you need to access the Family Size Non-Filer Statement Form. This form is available online and can be found on the Rutgers University website or the relevant financial aid portal. It is important to ensure you are using the correct and most up-to-date form.

Once you have accessed the form, you will need to start by providing some basic personal information. This includes your full name, student identification number, and contact details. It is important to fill out this information clearly and accurately. You may also be asked to provide additional documentation to support your application, such as proof of identity and residency.

The next step is to indicate your employment status. You will need to check the box that applies to your situation, either "not employed and had no income earned" or "was employed." If you were employed, you will need to submit any applicable W-2 forms or other relevant tax documents. Be sure to include all necessary paperwork to avoid delays in processing your application.

Additionally, if you are a dependent student, there is a specific section on the form for you to verify your status. You will need to check the box confirming that you have not and do not plan to complete a tax return. Remember that if you had any earnings, you must provide a copy of your W-2s or other relevant tax documents.

Finally, review your form to ensure all sections have been completed accurately and truthfully. Once you are satisfied, sign and date the form. This step is crucial as it serves as your legal confirmation that the information provided is correct to the best of your knowledge.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully submit a signed Family Size Non-Filer Statement Form as part of your claim for independent student status at Rutgers University. Remember that the process may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances, so it is always a good idea to carefully review all instructions and requirements provided by the university.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To apply for federal and state financial aid at Rutgers University, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, scholarships, federal work-study, and Federal Direct Loans. The FAFSA may also determine your eligibility for state and school aid.

The FAFSA is released annually, usually in December, and you should complete it by the priority filing deadline to maximize your options for financial aid resources. The Rutgers priority filing deadline for the 2025-2026 FAFSA is February 1, 2025. You can find out more information on the Rutgers FAFSA Information page.

To complete the FAFSA, you will need to provide personal and financial information, including your Social Security number, driver's license number, federal tax information, and financial records. You will also need to provide information about your parents or guardians, such as their income and assets, if you are a dependent student.

It is important to note that residency documentation is only required for students who wish to petition for in-state residency or are requested to submit it by the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Dependent students are generally considered domiciled in the state where their parents or guardians reside. However, if you are an independent student, you will need to provide documentation to support your residency status.

Additionally, if you are applying for New Jersey state financial aid, you will be prompted to answer some additional questions at the end of the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state aid programs. Rutgers Health students may also be eligible for alternative funding resources through the Department of Health and Human Services Title VII Program.

Submit a Residency Analysis Form (RAF)

To claim independent student status at Rutgers University, you must be seeking in-state residency for tuition purposes. The Rutgers University state residency policy is governed by New Jersey Administrative Code 9A:5, which requires that individuals be domiciled within the state of New Jersey for at least one year immediately prior to enrollment.

To this end, students seeking to reclassify their residency status can submit a Residency Analysis Form (RAF). This form is for Green Card holders or US citizens, with some visa holders and Political Asylees or Political Refugees exempt from this requirement.

Students submitting the RAF must also provide supporting documentation. Independent students, defined as those who are 24 or older, graduate students, or married, must submit documentation for themselves. This can include a copy of a lease or notarized letter from a landlord indicating the length of residency in New Jersey. Dependent students, or undergraduates under 24 years old, must submit documentation for their parents. This can include a copy of their parents' NJ driver's license or a copy of the lease or deed to the family home in NJ.

The Rutgers University residency policy (10.3.2) should be reviewed prior to completing the RAF. The form and supporting documentation must be submitted before the beginning of the semester for which a change in residency status is requested. The University may request additional documentation within 30 days of the RAF being submitted.

Frequently asked questions