Special Circumstances- Appealing your FAFSA Eligibility

When you or your family undergo changes in financial circumstances, the information provided on the FAFSA may no longer accurately reflect your financial situation. In such instances, you may submit a Special Circumstance Appeal requesting a re-evaluation of federal aid eligibility. In some cases, a financial aid administrator may exercise professional judgment to adjust your Student Aid Index (SAI), potentially rendering you eligible for federal aid programs like subsidized loans, federal grants, or other need-based aid.

Examples of Special Circumstances that may be considered include:

• Reduction in income lasting 8 weeks or longer due to loss of employment or change in employment status.
• Death, divorce, or separation of a parent or spouse since the original FAFSA filing.
• Loss of benefits such as unemployment, disability, social security, child support, or alimony.
• Non-recurring payments received during the FAFSA tax year, such as IRA or pension distribution, inheritance, etc.

Examples that are NOT considered include:

• Secondary tuition payments.
• Reduction of assets (changes in assets will reflect on the subsequent year’s FAFSA).
• Increase in standard living expenses.
• High debt-to-income ratios.
• Already receiving the maximum amount of federal Pell grant
• Graduate or professional students receiving the maximum annual loan amount.

If you’re unsure whether a change in financial situation warrants an appeal, you’re encouraged to contact our office for assistance. However, If you’re an undergraduate student already receiving the maximum federal Pell grant, completing an appeal will not increase your eligibility for federal need-based aid. Additionally, graduate and professional students are not eligible for need-based aid.

Additional Information

• All appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case-basis.
• Submitting a Special Circumstance Appeal does not guarantee approval, and even if approved, a recalculation of the FAFSA does not guarantee an increase in financial aid eligibility.
• If you were selected for Verification, completion of that process is necessary before a Special Circumstance Appeal can be reviewed.
• Normal processing time for a Special Circumstance adjustment is 15-30 business days.
• You will receive email notifications to your UND student email account if your awards are revised.

Forms

Complete the Special Circumstance Appeal form with the available information and documentation. Advisors are available to assist with questions or request additional documentation. Forms and supporting documentation can be submitted electronically, in person, or by mail to the UND One-Stop Student Services.

For electronic submission, all forms and documentation must be submitted using our Secure File Drop to protect sensitive data. W2’s, tax forms, or other personal information should NOT be submitted as an attachment to emails. Documentation submitted outside of the Secure File Drop will not be accepted.

2024-2025 Special Circumstance Appeal

INDEPENDENT STUDENT

DEPENDENT STUDENT

How to Request a Special Circumstance Appeal

1. Complete the FAFSA for the applicable aid year.
2. Complete the Special Circumstance Appeal form, gather required documentation, and submit using the Secure File Drop.
3. Monitor your UND email for communications regarding your appeal. Additional documentation may be requested by an aid administrator.
4. Once all documentation is received, the appeal will be reviewed, and the results communicated via UND email.

To comply with the U.S. Department of Education, all appeals and documentation must be submitted before the last day of the semester/academic year being appealed. Appeals cannot be processed beyond the enrollment period. It’s recommended to submit a Special Circumstance Appeal with all required documentation 3 weeks prior to the last day of the semester.