Special Circumstances
Sometimes you run into situations that severely limit what you can take on financially. We call these special circumstances. It could be something like unusually high medical expenses or job loss.
These special circumstances aren't recognized when you apply for aid, so there is a process you can go through to have your need-based aid reviewed.
Job Loss or Change
Individuals or families who experience reduced income due to a job loss or change can submit an appeal form.
Other Financial Circumstances
If you’re looking to have your aid reviewed due to other financial circumstances, your situation must be both:
- Unusual, meaning the typical family would not face this situation in a normal year
- Non-discretionary, meaning there is not much you can do about it.
To appeal based on these conditions, submit the appeal form:
- Appeal: Unusual Financial Conditions (2012-2013) (pdf)
- Appeal: Unusual Financial Conditions (2011-2012) (pdf)
Some financial conditions used in appeals include unusual medical expenses, children in private K-12 school, out-of-pocket funeral expenses, or day-care expenses paid by the student.
Conditions that do not warrant an appeal include payment of routine living expenses (house, car, or credit card payments), debt repayment, wedding expenses, and other expenses that reflect lifestyle choices.
Change in Student's Marital Status
Prior to the 2012-13 school year, a student's marital status on the FAFSA could not be changed. New for 2012-13, students whose marital status changes (e.g., get married or divorced) after submitting their FAFSA may submit an appeal. The deadline for submitting this appeal form is November 1, 2012. Completion of the appeal does not guarantee approval of your request.
Independent Status
Some rare circumstances might qualify you for independent status. These are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are only granted for unusual, documented circumstances.
These conditions do not qualify you for independent status:
- Parents refuse to contribute to your education
- Parents are unwilling to provide information on the FAFSA or for verification
- Parents do not claim you as a dependent for income tax purposes
- You demonstrate that you are totally self-sufficient
If you have unusual, documented circumstances and believe you should be considered an independent student for financial aid purposes, please submit this form:
