Special Circumstance (EFC) Appeal

A financial aid administrator may adjust an individual's expected family contribution (EFC) if the financial circumstances warrant it. The financial aid administrator will not automatically make these adjustments, there must be valid, substantiated reasons for the adjustment. The adjustment in EFC may result in eligibility for Federal Aid programs, such as additional subsidized loans or Federal Grants, depending on the change made.

Some examples of situations which may qualify for an adjustment include:

Loss or reduction in income
Loss or reduction in income related to COVID-19
Divorce, separation or death
Private secondary education tuition payments
Decrease in asset equity
Other factors

Special Circumstance Request Forms

Complete the appropriate form below, based on the student's dependency status. If you are unsure of your status, select the guide below to help you determine your dependency status.

How to Determine Dependency Status

Forms and supporting documentation may be submitted to One-Stop by mail or electronic delivery. In an effort to protect your sensitive data, please DO NOT submit W2's or tax forms to our general email. All special circumstance documents and forms can be safely submitted electronically using our Secure File Drop.

Fall 2021-Spring/Summer 2022 Special Circumstance Request

Independent Student

Dependent Student

Additional Documentation Required Based on Circumstance

View the possible special circumstance situations below and submit the required documentation for the description(s) which best fit your reason for appeal. An Independent or Dependent Student Special Circumstance Request Form (above) will be required for any situaion. If none of the situations apply to you, please contact One-Stop at onestop@UND.edu or 701.777.1234 to schedule an appointment with a Student Finance Advisor.

Parent has retired or been unemployed for at least 8 weeks

Parent(s)’ signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules/W2(s)
Copy of most recent pay stub
Unemployment Documentation
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student or parent)

Student (or spouse) has retired or been unemployed for at least 8 weeks

Student’s (and spouse’s) signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules/W2(s)
Copy of most recent pay stub
Unemployment Documentation
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student)

Parent has become permanently and totally disabled

Parent(s)’ signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules/W2(s)
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student or parent)
Copy of statement of disability from physician or determining agency

Student (or spouse) has become permanently and totally disabled

Student’s (and spouse’s) signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules/W2(s)
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student)
Copy of statement of disability from physician or determining agency

Parent has untaxed income that has been reduced or ceased

Examples: child support, social security benefit, or spousal support being reduced

Parent(s)’ signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules/W2(s)
Documentation of ceasing or reduction
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student or parent)

Student (or spouse) has untaxed income that has been reduced or ceased

Examples: child support, social security benefit, or spousal support being reduced

Student’s (and spouse’s) signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules/W2(s)
Documentation of ceasing or reduction
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student)

Student has married since filing FAFSA

Please contact One Stop to request the Student Marital Status Form before August 23
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student)
Student’s (and spouse’s) signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules/W2(s)
Copy of Marriage License or Certificate
Independent Student Verification Worksheet signed by student
Updated FAFSA reflecting changes

Parents divorced or separated

Parent(s)’ signed 2020 Federal Tax Return
Copy of Divorce Decree OR a letter from attorney
Parents’ 2019 & 2020 W2(s), Schedule C(s), Schedule F(s), if applicable
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student or parent) – include if child support will be paid or received.

Student has divorced or separated

Student’s (and spouse’s) signed 2020 Federal Tax Return
Copy of Divorce Decree OR a letter from attorney
Student’s (and spouse’s) 2019 & 2020 W2(s), Schedule C(s), Schedule F(s), if applicable
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student or parent) – include if child support will be paid or received.

Death of Parent

Parent(s)’ signed 2019 & 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules
Deceased parent’s 2019 & 2020 W2(s), Schedule C(s), Schedule F(s), if applicable
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student or parent)
Copy of Death Certificate or Obituary

Death of Spouse

Spouse’s signed 2019 & 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules
Deceased spouse’s 2019 & 2020 W2(s), Schedule C(s), Schedule F(s), if applicable
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student)
Copy of Death Certificate or Obituary

Parent makes tuition payments to a private K-12 institution

Parent(s)’ signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student or parent)
Documentation showing total tuition paid in 2019

Student (or spouse) makes tuition payments to a private K-12 institution

Student’s (and spouse’s) signed 2020 Federal Tax Return/ Schedules
A detailed signed letter of explanation (written by student)
Documentation showing total tuition paid in 2019

FAFSA

If parent information is required on the FAFSA, a contribution adjustment can only be made to the parent(s) income and/or assets. If the change in financial situation applies to the dependent student's income/assets, contact a financial aid administrator to discuss possible options.

Once all documentation/information is received, normal processing time for a contribution adjustment is 15-30 business days. You'll receive an email notification to your UND student email account if your awards are revised.