Special and Unusual Circumstances

Student Financial Services understands that students and their families may at times experience unique situations, and SFS is here to help, as much as possible.  SFS coordinators may adjust, with appropriate documentation, the FAFSA or cost of attendance allowances that are specific to a student's situation.  There are two categories of unique situations - special and unusual circumstances.

Special circumstances are financial situations that support a change to the cost of attendance or Student Aid Index (SAI) or Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  Current circumstances are not always reflected accurately on the FAFSA since tax information being reported is two years old.  Examples of major changes in financial situations include, but not limited to:

• Loss or change in employment or wages for you or your parent(s)
• Student or parent has become separated or divorced
• Medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
  
• Death of parent or student's spouse
• Loss of benefits
• Child care expenses 
  
• Private elementary or secondary school expenses
• IRA and 401K withdrawals
• Other changes to student's status or to a student's or family's income or assets
• Change in where the student is living

Once your request is reviewed, we may request supporting documents.  Supporting documents may include:

• Signed Federal Tax Returns
• W2(s)
• Pay stubs
• Documentation of unemployment
• Divorce decree or documentation of separate addresses
• Obituary or death certificate
• Documentation of paid medical expenses
• Letter of separate from employer(s)

Appeals are reviewed and are handled on a case-by-case basis; judgment is made by a financial aid administrator, serving as the final decision.  Requests may be denied for reasons including excessive student loan debt.

Please submit the appeal and all documentation via our Secure Document Upload in MyView Self Service.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for the entire process to be completed.  Delays may be experienced during peak times.

2024-2025 Special Circumstance Appeal (F25SCF)

Unusual circumstances are conditions that support a change to a student's dependency status based on a unique situation.  Examples of unusual circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• Human trafficking
• Refugee/asylee status
• Parental abandonment, estrangement, or parent incarceration

Please note that unusual circumstances do not include:

• Parent refusal to contribute to student's education
• Parent refusal to provide information for the FAFSA or verification
• Parent do not claim the student for income tax purposes, or that the student demonstrates total self-sufficiency

Appeals are reviewed and are handled on a case-by-case basis; judgment is made by a financial aid administrator, serving as the final decision.

Please submit the appeal and all documentation via our Secure Document Upload in MyView Self Service.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for the entire process to be completed.  Delays may be experienced during peak times.

2024-2025 Unusual Circumstances