Many people in the United States move out of their parents houses when they turn 18. From this point they are dependent on themselves for food, shelter, and whatever they may want in life. They are not dependent on their parents. However, FAFSA considers a student dependent on their parents until the age of 23. For a small handful this may be the case, but for most people they are completely independent by the age of 20, if not at 18. FAFSA requires anyone under the age of 23, who is not married, to have their parents social security numbers, and tax information available before they can file for FAFSA. This is a laughable requirement at best. This policy should be changed and allow independent adults in our country to file for FAFSA independent of their parents.