Special Circumstance Request
Special Circumstance Guidelines
What is a Special Circumstance Request?
It refers to the process of reviewing your financial aid application when you and/or your parents or spouse experience a change in income or expenses that was not reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal Application. When you apply for financial aid, income and asset information is used to determine how much can be contributed toward your educational expenses. A special circumstance is appropriate when changes in income or assets are significant enough to result in increased aid eligibility.
What Adjustments Can Be Allowed?
Category 1 – Adjustments may be made for loss of income for the following reasons:
Reason(s) |
Student |
Spouse |
Parent |
Job Termination/Change |
x |
x |
x |
Reduction Of Hours Worked |
x |
x |
x |
Retirement |
x |
x |
x |
Divorce/Separation/Death of Spouse After filing |
x |
- |
x |
Loss or Reduction of Social Security Benefits |
x |
x |
x |
Loss or Reduction of Child Support Received |
x |
x |
x |
Loss or Reduction of Alimony |
x |
x |
x |
Category 2 – Adjustments may be made for increases in the following types of mandatory or non-discretionary expenses:
Reason(s) |
Student |
Spouse |
Parent |
Child Support Paid |
x |
x |
x |
Medical/Dental/Disability Expenses |
x |
x |
x |
Nursing Home Expenses |
x |
x |
x |
Funeral Expenses |
x |
x |
x |
Child Care Expenses |
x |
x |
- |
Additional Required Educational Expenses |
x |
- |
|
Additional Transportation Expenses |
x |
- |
- |
Special Circumstance Process
How do I request a Special Circumstance?
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal Application.
- Get Awarded
- Request and complete a Special Circumstance Form. The form allows you to write a statement to explain your request. Schedule an appointment and submit the form at your appointment. *Please allow 2-4 weeks for your appeal to be reviewed.
How long will the review take?
Your request for Special Circumstances cannot be processed until your FAFSA has been completed and verified. Please allow up to eight weeks for processing the special circumstances request after your original application has been processed and all the required documentation for the Special Circumstances Request has been received.
Please note that financial aid staff can only consider special circumstances when documentation is provided that will pass review by federal auditors.
Will I get more aid?
If the special circumstance results increased eligibility for aid, and if funds are available, you may receive additional assistance. If your Special Circumstances request results in increased eligibility, you may be asked to provide documentation (W-2 forms, 1099s, income tax returns, etc.) at the end of the calendar year to verify the accuracy of your income projections or projected expenses. If changes need to be made and these changes result in reduced eligibility, you may have to repay aid.
If you have any further questions regarding the Special Circumstance policy and procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office at your earliest convenience.
Questions or Concerns? Call (714) 895-8394 during business hours.