Filling Out the FAFSA: My Parents Are Same-Sex Partners

If you're a dependent of your parents, both of your parents' information must be included on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of whether they are of the same or opposite sex. They count as your parents for the purposes of the FAFSA if they appear on your birth certificate, an adoption decree or a court order.

But their tax filing and marriage status impacts who needs to actually contribute to your FAFSA:

• Married, and they file taxes jointly. Only one parent needs to serve as a FAFSA contributor.

• Married, and they file taxes separately. Both parents are FAFSA contributors.

• Not married, but they live together. Both parents are FAFSA contributors.

• Divorced, separated, or never married and do not live together. The parent who gave you the most financial support during the last 12 months is your FAFSA contributor. If they amount of support was equal, the parent with more income and assets is your contributor.

If you have a stepparent, they will likely only need to contribute to your FAFSA if they have legally adopted you.

» MORE: FAFSA checklist for 2025-26

Steps for filling out the FAFSA for students from LGBTQ families

1. Request your FSA ID from FAFSA.gov. This is the username and password you'll use to log into the FAFSA.

2. Fill out your portion of the FAFSA and submit it.

3. Determine if one or both of your parents is considered a FAFSA contributor. Each contributor should request their own unique FSA ID so they can access their portion of your FAFSA.

4. Once your parent(s) also submit their portion of the FAFSA, the Education Department will process your form within about three days.

» MORE: What are the 2025-26 FAFSA requirements?