91´ÎÔª

Application Instructions

• Fill Out the Application

  COMPLETE THE APPLICATION HERE! 

  Applications may be filled out either digitally or by hand. If you do not have access to a computer, printed hard copies are always available in the TRIO Office. We are located on the 3rd floor of Aber Hall.

  Filling out a TRIO application requires that you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) report your family taxable income and sign to verify that reported income. This information can be found on line 15 of the most recently filed 1040 tax return. 

  Dependency status in the application is the same dependency status you were granted for FAFSA-- please see the sections below for more information.

  Income information and verification is required of all TRIO applicants by the U.S. Department of Education as part of the eligibility determination process. This includes applicants who do not qualify on the basis of income. We cannot process applications or enroll students without this information.

  Please note: independent and dependent students who are facing unusual circumstances with regards to income (e.g., receive untaxed Disability Income, qualify for 'Will Not File' with the IRS, are currently homeless without employment, etc.) should answer '$0' for income and make a brief note about their situation on their application. We are also happy to answer any questions students may have about their particular situation, or about what income information is required.

  Please reach out to our Program Coordinator, Sam Curran, if you have any questions.

• Tax Info - Dependent Students

  If you are a dependent student (a parent/guardian claims you on their tax return), a parent/guardian must provide their family taxable income and household size on the application. The parent/guardian's contact information and signature must be provided on the form.

  Alternatively, the student can email their application separately, and the parent/guardian can email their taxable income and household size directly to Program Coordinators, Sam Curran, at samantha.curran@mso.umt.edu

• Tax Info - Independent Students

  If you are an independent student:

  • You must provide your family taxable income and household size on the application from your most recently filed tax return.
    • Remember to include yourself in counting household members.
  • If you are unsure if you qualify as an independent student, please see the next tab.
• Tax Info - How Do I Know If I'm Independent?

  Dependency status is determined by certain life circumstances and/or legal statuses. A student is considered independent if they are: 

  • Foster care youth who are aging out or have already aged out of foster care.
  • Legally emancipated minors.
  • Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
  • 24 years of age or older by January 1 of the school year.
  • Married or separated, but not divorced.
  • The provider for children or other legal dependants, for whom they provide more than 50% of their financial support.
  • A veteran or an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces.
  • Pursuing a graduate or professional degree (not eligible for TRIO services).

  
  contains more information on dependency status, as well as a checklist to fill out to help determine if you are a dependent or independent student. You can also contact the UM Financial Aid Office for further assistance.

• Submit Your Application

  Once finished, you can either drop your application off at our front desk, or email it to our Program Coordinator, Sam Curran at samantha.curran@mso.umt.edu. We will then review your application and notify you of its status. 

  You can contact us at any time if you have questions about the application, your eligibility for TRIO services, or your status as an applicant. Our office hours during the summer are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (MT).