There are two types of "Special Circumstances/Unusual Circumstances" appeals that students may be interested in pursuing. Below you will find information about each type of appeal. Please read before starting either appeal at  

 

Professional Judgement: Special Circumstance - SAI Calculation Appeal (Changes in family income)

 If a family has experienced a significant change in income from what was reported on FAFSA, a Special Circumstance Appeal may be a good option. This can allow the Financial Aid Office to consider the student for PELL grant (or additional PELL grant funds), if the appeal is approved. Here are a few things to consider, before submitting this appeal:

  • Before considering an appeal, a student must first complete the initial FAFSA at  to determine what they initially may qualify to receive. 
  • If a student already qualifies for the maximum rate of the PELL grant, completing this appeal will not allow the student to qualify for additional PELL grant funds.
  • A student must provide documentation of this loss of income. Examples include; separation letters, unemployment documentation, tax returns, W-2’s, current pay stubs, divorce decree, proof of out of pocket medical expenses, or death certificate.

 

Professional Judgment: Unusual Circumstance Appeal

Students that are not; at least 24 years old, married, serving in the military, or have any children of their own - must typically provide parent information on the FAFSA. There can be some exceptions to this, that would warrant completing an Unusual Circumstance Appeal. These exceptions may include;

  • parental abuse
  • neglect or abandonment
  • parent(s) are incarcerated
  • one parent is deceased and the other parent's whereabouts are unknown

Standard documentation to validate these exceptions include;

  • Police reports or other court documentation
  • Signed/notarized statements from reputable third-party sources (minister, counselor, therapist, physician, etc.), that can validate their knowledge of the student and parent relationship.
  • Proof of incarceration
  • Obituary or Death Certificate

 

***Please note that parent refusal to provide information on the FAFSA or a student being financially self-sufficient, is not a valid reason to submit an Unusual Circumstance Appeal. Instead, please call our office to ask about a Parental Cessation Form and what funding may be available, when no parent information is provided on FAFSA.***

 

How do I submit an appeal?

 

Visit . Once logged in, select the “Manage Requests” link to the right of the page. From there, chose either “Professional Judgment: Unusual Circumstance Appeal ” or “Professional Judgment: Special Circumstance - SAI Calculation Appeal” from the drop-down bar. Once all requirements are uploaded into the portal, please allow 7-10 business days for the committee's review. Further documentation may be requested, after this initial review.