Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
(855) 411-2372
Submit a Complaint

About us

We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

Learn how the CFPB can help you

I want to apply for a student loan. Can a creditor ask me about my children or dependents or about the children or dependents of my co-signer?

Answer:

A creditor may ask about the number and ages of your dependents. A creditor may also ask about dependent-related financial obligations or expenses. However, a creditor may do so only if the creditor asks for this information without regard to sex or marital status (or any other prohibited basis).

A creditor cannot ask you about your birth control practices. A creditor also cannot ask about your intentions concerning having or raising children or your capability to have children. 

Was this page helpful to you?

Please do not share any personally identifiable information (PII), including, but not limited to: your name, address, phone number, email address, Social Security number, account information, or any other information of a sensitive nature.

The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. The CFPB updates this information periodically. This information may include links or references to third-party resources or content. We do not endorse the third-party or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. There may be other resources that also serve your needs.