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

Students with married same-sex parents will list the contributions and income of both parents.
Anna Helhoski
By Anna Helhoski 
Updated
Edited by Alexandra Rice

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🤓Nerdy Tip

When can I update my FAFSA application? The redesigned FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year is available at FAFSA.gov. Due to major processing delays, you won't be able to make changes to your submitted FAFSA until the first half of April, at the soonest.

You can still submit the 2023-24 FAFSA until June 30, 2024.

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was ruled unconstitutional in June 2013, giving same-sex couples equal opportunity to participate in federal government programs such as Medicaid, military spousal benefits, and filing for financial aid for college.

Likewise, same-sex partners filling out the form could not list their spouse on the application, as the federal government did not recognize their marriage.

Now, students with married same-sex parents will list the contributions and income of both parents.

Steps for filling out the FAFSA for LGBT families

  1. Fill out the FAFSA with both your parents' income and assets.

  2. You do not need to list both parents on the FAFSA if they do not live together or they are not both your legal parents. You are required to list a step-parent who is married to your legal parent. In Step 4 (Parent), state that your parents' marital status is married if they are married.

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