Request for Special Circumstance (Income) Review

We understand that financial situations can change due to unforeseen circumstances. If your income has been reduced or your financial situation has been affected by special circumstances, such as job loss, divorce, or separation, you may be eligible for a review of your financial aid for the 2025-2026 school year.

This page explains the process. Please read the instructions carefully, gather your documents, and submit your request. Our financial aid team will review your situation and determine if your aid eligibility can be adjusted.

• If your family's SAI (Student Aid Index) is zero or negative, do not submit this form. You already qualify for the maximum need-based aid.
• The 2025-2026 FAFSA uses 2023 tax information. You must provide documents showing that your income has since gone down.

We may review your financial aid eligibility if your income has changed due to:

• Loss of employment (layoff, termination, or reduced hours)
• Separation or divorce after submitting the FAFSA
• Death of a parent or spouse
• One-time income (e.g., severance pay or legal settlement) that will not continue
• Reduction in child support or other untaxed income

Each case is reviewed individually. Additional documentation may be requested.

• You must be enrolled in classes for the semester you want reviewed.
• Submit your request and all documents at least 3 weeks before your semester ends.

Submit the following documents depending on who experienced the income change (student or parent) and marital status.

Note: If you apply after January 1, 2026, you must also submit your 2025 federal tax return (or IRS non-filing documents).

If you are the student

• A detailed, explanation of income loss, including:
  • Employer's name, address, and phone number
  • Date income was reduced
  • Termination or resignation letter
  • Details on unemployment or severance pay (if any)
  • How your 2025 expenses are being met
  • Explanation of any one-time income received
• If your work hours changed; include your current weekly hours
• Documentation of any benefits or assistance you are receiving
• If you have no income: explain how you are paying your expenses
• 2024 federal tax return (all schedules, W-2s, and 1099s)
  • If not filed: Submit both a 2024 Wage & Income Transcript and 2024 IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the Internal Revenue Service
• Two most recent 2025 pay stubs, if applicable
• If applying after Jan. 1, 2026: Submit 2025 tax return (or 2025 IRS non-filing documents)
• Proof of income loss (like a layoff or termination letter)
• Any other documents that help explain your situation

If your parent's income changed

• A detailed, explanation of income loss, including:
  • Employer's name, address, and phone number
  • Date income was reduced
  • Termination or resignation letter
  • Details on unemployment or severance pay (if any)
  • How your 2025 expenses are being met
  • Explanation of any one-time income received
• If work hours changed: include current weekly hours
• Documentation of any benefits or assistance you are receiving
• If there is no no income: explain how expenses are being paid
• 2024 federal tax return (all schedules, W-2s, and 1099s)
  • If not filed: Submit both a 2024 Wage & Income Transcript and 2024 IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the Internal Revenue Service
• Two most recent 2025 pay stubs, if applicable
• If applying after Jan. 1, 2026: Submit 2025 tax return (or 2025 IRS non-filing documents)
• Proof of income loss (like a layoff or termination letter)
• Any other documents that help explain the situation

If you or your parent is married

• Include your spouse's 2024 federal tax return
• Two most recent 2025 pay stubs, if applicable