Special/Unusual Circumstances for Financial Aid

I had a loss/reduction of my income/benefits. Is that a special/unusual circumstance?

If there was a significant change in income or benefits that is not reflected in the information provided on your financial aid application, you can download a Loss or Reduction of Income/Benefits Request.

Situations that qualify can be one or a combination of the following:

• Loss or termination of a job
• Reduced working hours, salary, or hourly wages
• Loss of unemployment compensation
• Reduction/loss of child support
• Loss of Social Security benefits

The following situations are not considered a special/unusual circumstance:

• Voluntary leave from a job
• Reduced overtime pay
• SAI is between -1500 and 0

Follow our steps to request a review of your special/unusual circumstance.

My household size changed. Is that a special/unusual circumstance?

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) index is used to determine how much financial aid you will receive and is calculated by the information provided on your financial aid application at the time of submission.

If there was a significant change that occurred after submitting your application that is not representing your current situation, then you can download an SAI Adjustments Request.

Situations that qualify can be one or a combination of the following:

• Legal separation or divorce
  • Dependent Students: Your parent(s) was married at the time you completed your FAFSA/TASFA but are now divorced or legally separated.
  • Independent Students: You were married at the time you completed your FAFSA/TASFA but are now divorced or legally separated.
• Death of a parent or spouse
  • Dependent Students: One or both parents listed on your FAFSA/TASFA is now deceased, which caused a change in income/resources/benefits.
  • Independent Students: Your spouse, whose income is listed on your FAFSA/TASFA, is now deceased.

Follow our steps to request a review of your special/unusual circumstance.

I have additional/unusual expenses. Is that a special/unusual circumstance?

Only some additional/unusual expense situations qualify as a special/unusual circumstance.

If there was a significant change that occurred after submitting your financial aid application that is not representing your current situation, then you can download an SAI Adjustments Request.

Situations that qualify can be one or a combination of the following:

• Unusual expenses:
  • High medical, dental, nursing home expenses paid out of pocket not covered by insurance
  • Child or dependent care paid out of pocket
  • Elementary or secondary school expenses required for specialized care or needs
  • Impact created by a natural disaster or catastrophic event
• Your parent will be enrolled in a college at least half-time and their tuition, fees and books are not covered by other sources

The following situations are not considered a special/unusual circumstance:

• Expenses related to personal lifestyle (e.g., credit card debt, mortgage, or car payments)
• SAI is between -1500 and 0

Follow our steps to request a review of your special/unusual circumstance.

How can I be considered an independent student?

If you meet one of the following, you can download an Unusual Circumstances Review form:

• Estrangement from both of your parents due to a family environment that threatens your health or safety, or other unusual circumstances beyond your control
• Parent(s) has refused to complete or provide FAFSA information (note: this would only grant you eligibility for unsubsidized loans)

The following situations are not considered a special/unusual circumstance:

• Short-term estrangement that is not due to a hostile or unsafe family environment
• Parent has refused to contribute to your education
• You are self-sufficient
• Parent(s) lives in another country

Follow our steps to request a review of your special/unusual circumstance.

Am I required to submit documentation with my special/unusual circumstance request?

Yes, you must submit documentation to support the reason(s) for your request. This helps Student Financial Aid Services with its decision during the review.

Please see the appropriate circumstance form for examples of required documentation based on your special/unusual circumstance.

Incomplete documentation could result in a delay or denial of your request.

How do I request a review of my special/unusual circumstance?

1. Print and complete the appropriate special/unusual circumstance form from the above sections.
2. Submit the completed special/unusual circumstance form and your supporting documentation to Student Financial Aid Services in-person, or by email, fax, or postal mail. Learn how to submit your documentation.
3. Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. Monitor your student email for any follow-up requests for information or decisions.

Note: Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and with adequate documentation. The Department of Education does not have the authority to override a school's decision.