Special / Unusual

Circumstances Appeals

We understand that certain life events can affect your family’s ability to contribute toward college expenses. If you feel that the information reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) does not accurately reflect your situation, you may notify us about any special or unusual circumstances. Please note that while we review each case carefully, our authority to make changes is limited, and submitting an appeal does not guarantee an adjustment to your aid or dependency status.

We understand that certain life events can affect your family’s ability to contribute toward college expenses. If you feel that the information reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) does not accurately reflect your situation, you may notify us about any special or unusual circumstances. Please note that while we review each case carefully, our authority to make changes is limited, and submitting an appeal does not guarantee an adjustment to your aid or dependency status.

Difference Between Special

& Unusual Circumstances

Special Circumstances

Special Circumstances are financial situations leading to change to data in COA or SAI calculations such as:

  • Changes to family income, assets,etc
  • Recent unemployment
  • Dislocated Worker
  • Housing change due to homelessness

Examples of supporting documentation needed for special circumstances consideration are:

  • Documented interview between student and financial aid administrator Statements from students, parents, spouses, or third parties
  • Statements from school staff
  • Court/legal documentation
  • Other supplementary information on applicants’ financial status or person’s circumstances.
Unusual Circumstances

Unusual Circumstances are conditions leading to changes to a students’ dependency status (AKA dependency override) such as:

  • Human trafficking
  • Refugee or asylee status
  • Parental abandonment, incarceration, etc.
  • Unable to contact parents
  • Contact with parent poses risk

Examples of Supporting Documentation Needed for Special Circumstance Consideration are:

  • Documented interviews between applicant and Financial Aid Administrator
  • Submission of court order or official Federal or State documentation showing that students’ parents or legal guardian(s) are incarcerated
  • Documented phone call or written statement from attorney, guardian ad litem, court-appointed special advocate (or similar), or representative or TRIO or GEAR UP confirming applicant’s circumstances and person’s relationship to student.
  • Documented determination of independence made by FAA at another institution in same or prior award year.
Process & Timeline

Process and timeline for submitting a Special/Unusual Circumstance Appeal:

  • Student determines if a special/unusual circumstance appeal is warranted based on the outlined information above.
  • If so, student submits the Special/Unusual Circumstance Appeal and upload all supporting documentation.
  • All documentation is reviewed, and dependency decisions will be rendered no later than 60 days of the student enrolling.
  • Final determination notification is sent to the student. If approved, financial aid award adjustments are updated, and new financial aid award letters are issued to the student.

The Following are NOT considered special financial circumstances:

  • Refusal of parent to provide financial support to the applicant/student Anything that is forecasted to happen in the future
  • If you already have an SAI of zero (0) or and (-) number, there is no need to complete this form.
Submit an Appeal

Complete the Special / Unusual Circumstance Appeal form

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for additional information or if you have questions.

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