Appeals and Special Circumstances

Changes may include:

• Unemployment benefits have ended
• Unemployment due to retirement, company closure or resignation
• Loss of untaxed benefits (worker’s compensation, child support, Social Security benefits)
• Separation or divorce
• Death of a wage earner
• Medical expenses (with documentation or tax return records)

You can complete a Request for Review form to have your financial aid re-evaluated.

Requests will not be reviewed for:

• Bankruptcy or foreclosure
• Increases in personal expenses (mortgage, tuition for siblings, car payments)
• Private school tuition
• Medical insurance premiums
• Typical fluctuations in business income (unless significant and outside normal variation)

Depending on your situation, you must submit:

Student Income

• Tax returns for two most recent years OR
• W-2 statements

Parent Income

• Tax returns for two most recent years OR
• W-2 statements and other income documentation

You must also submit documentation supporting your specific circumstance.

• Requests open in May each year
• Processing begins once all documents are submitted
• Typical review time: approximately 2 weeks

Students must monitor NEST for updates and will be notified if:

• Additional information is needed
• The request does not meet criteria
• No change in eligibility occurs

Do not wait for a decision before planning payment.

Submitting a request does not guarantee additional aid. Students should plan to pay their bill based on current aid.

Options may include:

• Parent PLUS Loan
• Private loans
• Payment plan

If additional aid is later approved, you may adjust your payment arrangements.

Situations may include:

• Abusive home environment (physical or emotional)
• Severe estrangement
• Abandonment
• Parental substance abuse
• Mental incapacity
• Homelessness or risk of homelessness
• Unaccompanied youth

• Parents refuse to contribute
• Parents will not provide FAFSA information
• Student is financially independent but still dependent for FAFSA
• Family disagreements
• Standard living expenses or personal debt
• Lifestyle expenses

1. File the FAFSA
2. Follow FAFSA guidance for special circumstances
3. Submit an appeal through StudentForms
4. Complete all required documentation

• Appeal form explaining your situation
• Two supporting statements from non-family members such as:
  • Counselors
  • Advisors
  • Mentors
  • Religious leaders
  • Mental health professionals

• Appeals are typically reviewed within 2 weeks after all documents are submitted
• Incomplete submissions may delay the process
• All updates and decisions are communicated through NEST.

Graduate students are only eligible for unsubsidized loans. Filing a Request for Review or Unusual Circumstances appeal will not change loan eligibility.