Which factor does NOT influence an applicant's need for life insurance?

The need for life insurance is influenced by various personal circumstances and financial responsibilities an applicant may have. The number of dependents, age of the applicant, and income level are all critical factors because they directly relate to the financial obligations that a person has and the potential impact of their death on those they support.

Self-maintenance expenses, while important for overall budgeting and financial planning, do not necessarily indicate the need for life insurance coverage directly. Unlike dependents, who rely on the applicant's income, or the age of an applicant, which can influence both premiums and life expectancy, self-maintenance expenses reflect an individual’s cost of living. These expenses do not directly impact the financial requirement for life insurance in the way that dependents or income level does.

In essence, while managing self-maintenance expenses is crucial for personal financial health, it does not directly correlate with the need for life insurance in the same way the other factors do, making it the correct answer in this context.