We need to know how many dependents you have because this information directly affects your monthly payment on an Income-Driven Repayment Plan. Income-Driven Plans base your monthly payment on your income and family size.
The Savi application will ask how many dependents you have. You should count all people who you claim as a dependent on your taxes, excluding yourself and spouse (if you have one). Include unborn children, if applicable. A dependent is anyone who lives with you and receives more than half of their support from you.
The Department of Education also asks how many of your dependents are children, so if any of your dependents are under 18, you can indicate this on your application as well.