I see, good luck. I managed to get independent status because to the FAFSA, I was a veteran, since I left a service academy, I had all the same paperwork. I didn’t get GI bill or anything, but I got aid as an independent, so that worked out well for me.
When you have a majpr life changing event (like paying for a child, losing a job etc), you are allowed to submit that to FAFSA, so that although you made a certain number of $$ the previous year, your financial situation has changed enough that they need to take what is currently happening into account.
This shit is not easy, they make it difficult on purpose, but it CAN be done,and the ones who persist get the bucks.
Even if you haven’t had your child support hearing yet you should be able to show that you have paid for half of his support, even if you need to get your ex to write a statement saying she received child support from you or show receipts for diapers, formula, etc.