Has Your Family’s Financial Situation Changed? We’re Here to Help

If you or your family have experienced a loss or reduction in income, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships may be able to review your files and update your financial aid package. This process is called a Special Circumstance Appeal. To begin the appeal process, please complete and upload the appropriate Special Circumstances Appeal form, provide a detailed statement, and supporting documentation to the Rebel Success Hub.

Examples of circumstances that can be considered

  • Loss of job
  • Loss of child support
  • Marital divorce or separation
  • Death of a parent or spouse
  • High out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and/or prescription expenses paid

Examples of circumstances that cannot be considered

  • One-time gambling winnings, capital gains, IRA distributions, or one-time severance pay
  • Losses associated with gambling
  • Penalties associated with the early withdrawal of retirement funds
  • Costs related to bankruptcy or bankruptcy payment plans
  • Private elementary or high school tuition
  • Parent college expenses 
  • Reductions in overtime pay
  • Unusual expenses related to personal living such as wedding expenses, credit card bills, utility bills, home mortgage, second mortgage, school loan payments, car payments, veterinarian bills, or other miscellaneous consumer expenses
  • Loss of business or rental income. 

Examples of supporting documentation include, but are not limited to: 

  • Proof of job loss, such as a resignation or separation letter
  • Copy of 1040 taxes for the tax year following the tax year used on the FAFSA
  • Medical bills 
  • Death certificate

Unusual Circumstances

A student who is considered dependent and is seeking independent status for FAFSA purposes due to extenuating circumstances that prevent them from obtaining parent information on the FAFSA or a change in relationship with their parent(s) may submit an Unusual Circumstances Appeal for further review. For more information on dependency status, please visit the Dependent/Independent Applicant page.

Unusual circumstances do include, but are not limited to:

  • Human trafficking, as described in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000;
  • Legally granted refugee or asylum status;
  • Parental abandonment or estrangement; or
  • Student or parental incarceration

Unusual circumstances do not include:

  • Parents refuse to contribute to the student’s education
  • Parents will not provide information for the FAFSA or verification
  • Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for tax purposes
  • Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency

Examples of supporting documentation include, but are not limited to:

  • Supporting letter(s) from a third-party professional (teacher, therapist, clergy member/religious figure, case worker, etc).
  • Supporting letter from a third party (grandparent, aunt, uncle, former foster parent, etc.)
  • Official legal or government documents, such as court orders, restraining orders, police reports
  • Other relevant documentation