Unusual Circumstances
Unusual Circumstance Form - 2009-2010
Sometimes families experience unusual circumstances that have a
financial impact which would not be revealed from the information
reported on the FAFSA. The government prescribes that the analysis
of need be based upon the calendar year that proceeds the academic
year for which the application is made. In some situations, the
income of the previous year is a poor base upon which to analyze the
student's need because the income source has changed. This changed
income situation could occur as the result of the illness or death
of a family member, the separation or divorce of a parent or the
student, or simply due to a loss of benefits or wages.
In other circumstances the family incurs heavy expenses for
private elementary or secondary school tuition or above-average
medical or dental expenses (not covered by insurance). Since these
types of expenses are no longer included in the regular government
analysis of need, information regarding these items is not collected
on the FAFSA.
In these situations it may be possible to reanalyze the financial
need of the student based upon current calendar (or even award year)
information or to adjust the analysis to recognize substantial
elementary/secondary education or medical expenses. In order to
evaluate the appropriateness of such action, it is necessary to
gather information from the student's family to assist in the
reevaluation process.
If you have experienced an unusual circumstance as described
above, you may complete the Unusual Circumstances Form and transmit
it to us. When submitting electronically your student identification
information, and email address will be considered as a signature
certifying that the information reported is as true, accurate, and
complete as possible. If you are a dependent student submitting
parental information you must receive permission from your parent(s)
before doing so. Your transmission represents that you have approval
from your parents to submit data on their behalf. You will be asked
to provide a parental telephone number which we may use to
corroborate data submitted on behalf of your parents. Please be
aware that the U.S. Inspector General requires us to report all
cases of fraud (and submitting parental data without permission
would be fraud).
We will determine from the information you submit whether it is
possible to improve your opportunity for financial assistance and
notify you if your eligibility for assistance can be improved.
