Special Circumstances
The need analysis process does not always consider every family situation. If your family has experienced an unusual change in financial circumstances not considered on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may request a review of special circumstances.
Request Process
To request a review for special circumstances, please contact our office. You must provide adequate documentation to support your situation and you may be asked for additional documents upon review of request. Examples of special circumstances may include, but are not limited to, significant change in income or medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance.
Change in Income
- You or your parent has become unemployed or disabled. You/your parent must be unemployed for a period 10 weeks before a re-evaluation of financial aid can be performed.
- You or your parent will have a significant decrease in income in 2024 and/or 2025.
- You or your parent received a one-time payment of income in 2024 that will not re-occur in 2025 and/or 2026.
- You have already applied for financial and, since that time, your parent has died.
- You have already applied for financial and, since that time, your parents have separated or divorced.
Documentation can include:
- Signed copy of income tax return(s) for 2024 and/or 2025
- Employment termination letter
- Letter from employer stating change in salary
- Official year-to-date earnings
- Copy of separation agreement or divorce decree
- Copy of death certificate
Medical Expenses
Eligible expenses are paid, non-reimbursed medical and/or dental expenses in 2024. In order to qualify, typically your paid, non-reimbursed expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) on your federal tax return.
Documentation can include:
- Signed copy of income tax return for 2024, including Schedule A
- Statement of account that indicate you have paid medical bills
- Any other documentation you feel will best support your case
For any other circumstances, please contact us and we can help guide you through the process. We are here to help you navigate these challenging times.