特殊情况下

When there are special or unusual circumstances that impact your federal student aid eligibility, federal regulations give a financial aid administrator discretion or professional judgment on a case-by-case basis and with adequate documentation to make adjustments to the data elements on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that impact your Student Aid Index (SAI) to gain a more accurate assessment of your family’s ability to contribute to your cost of education. 的 Department of Education does not have the authority to override a school’s professional judgment decision.

Special circumstances can impact a student’s financial aid situation, including certain living arrangements or family situations that may change during your time at 十大网赌平台. Special circumstances may result in the need to clarify your situation with the 财政援助办公室 to potentially have adjustments made.

Special circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• Change in employment status, income, or assets
• Change in parent marital status (separation, divorce)
• 父母一方死亡
• Tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school
• Medical, dental, or nursing home expenses paid that are not covered by insurance
• 儿童或受抚养人的照顾费用
• Severe disability of the student or other member of the student’s household

Unusual circumstances most often require an adjustment to a student’s dependency status and the information they provide on their FAFSA form based on a unique situation, such as being homeless or in foster care.

的 FAFSA Simplification Act distinguishes between different categories of professional judgment by amending section 479A of the Higher Education Act (HEA). You are a dependent student if you are under the age of 24 and answered “No” to the dependency questions on the FAFSA. This definition means your parents must provide their financial information on the FAFSA.

然而, 十大网赌平台 recognizes that you may face challenging family circumstances and need to request reconsideration of your dependency status. 学生 who are unable to complete the FAFSA with parental information can request a dependency override by contacting the 财政援助办公室. A dependency override occurs when the financial aid counselor exercises professional judgement.

的 财政援助办公室 reviews each request for a dependency override on a case-by-case basis. Requests are typically reviewed within ten business days.  You will be notified by email to your 十大网赌平台 address with the outcome.

的 following are examples of unusual circumstances that may be considered for a dependency override:

• Human Trafficking, as defined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
• Legally granted refugee or asylum status
• 虐待家庭环境
• Abandonment and/or estrangement by parents
• Incarceration or institutionalization of both parents
• 找不到父母

We are unable to take into consideration the following reasons for a dependency override:

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

Requests for a dependency override must be in writing and provide details of your unusual circumstances; focus on the relationship between you and your parents. Requests must include letters or other supporting documentation from at least two third parties, 比如学校辅导员, 神职人员或家庭医生.  Other documentation that may support an appeal for a dependency override may include court orders, restraining orders or other legal judgments.  Additional information may be requested.