Types of Special Circumstances

The following are situations that we will consider for student/spouse or parent(s):

• Loss of Income (must be at least 20 percent decrease from previous year)
• Dislocated Worker
• Loss of Untaxed Income or Benefits
• Parent Divorce or Separation
• Death
• High unreimbursed Medical Expenses

Loss of Income -- A student/spouse or parent(s) who earned income in the previous year, has lost employment for at least twelve weeks in the current year, AND anticipates having at least a 20% drop in total earnings from past calendar year to current calendar year. Those who are self-employed may request a reevaluation of their expected parental contribution; however, they must wait until they have filed their current year federal income tax return. Explain the change(s) in income and the date(s) the change(s) occurred. During the review process, you may be asked for additional information.

Dislocated Worker -- If a student/spouse or parent(s) indicated "yes" to the dislocated worker question on the FAFSA, provide a termination letter from his/her employer and a letter explaining the circumstances that led to the job termination.

Loss of Untaxed Income or Benefits -- A student/spouse or parent(s) received income or benefits, i.e., worker's compensation, unemployment compensation, retirement benefits, and/or court-ordered child support, in the past year but has completely and permanently lost that income or benefit in the current year. Indicate the type and amount of benefit(s) and the date the benefit(s) ceased.

Divorce or Separation -- A student/spouse or parent(s) has separated or divorced after the student has filed the FAFSA and marital status was reported as married on the FAFSA. Provide documentation of the date of the separation/divorce and include past year's federal tax transcript and all W2's. During the review process you may be asked for additional information.

Death -- A spouse or parent whose income was used on the FAFSA has died. Provide a copy of the death certificate and include all W-2 forms (if applicable) when submitting the past year's federal tax transcript.

High unreimbursed Medical Expenses -- Include Schedule A of the past year's federal tax transcript form showing medical deductions.