Dependents. Generally speaking, people who are dependent upon others (parents, relatives, a spouse) for food, clothing, shelter, and other basics. For purposes of getting federal financial aid, students must meet strict criteria in order to be defined as depen­
dents; in the view of federal aid programs, the family is the primary source of support for college. College students may have dependents (children dependent on them), and this too
is taken into account by the federal govern­ ment. Federal forms ask a series of questions about age, marital status, etc., to determine whether applicants are dependent on others or independent.