I asked a support member if I would be considered independent if I'm at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Because I'm not 24 I'm considered dependent but on the first section of the new fafsa I'm asked if At any time on or after July 1, 2023, was the student unaccompanied and either (1) homeless or (2) self-supporting and at risk of being homeless? To be unaccompanied means someone isn't living in the physical custody of their parent according to the FAFSA form and my mom is in texas.

I've been living alone since July 2022 and have received no help from my mom and the only help I've gotten is from FAFSA Refunds & SNAP.

If I answer no to the previous question I'd be considered independent but I was told that to be independent I need to be at least 24 which I'm not which confuses me so much and I don't wanna put down either answer in case I misinform which I don't wanna do to the government. So I'm just lost as to what I should put down.