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 2022-Spring/Summer 2023 Special Circumstance Request
INDEPENDENT STUDENT
Special Circumstance Forms for 2021-Spring/Summer 2022 can be found here:
Additional Documentation Required Based on Circumstance
Click a tab below to view possible special circumstance situations. Submit the required documentation for the situation(s) which best fit your reason for appeal. You must complete an Independent or Dependent Student Special Circumstance Request Form (above) for any appeal. If none of the situations apply to you, please contact One-Stop at onestop@UND.edu 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 201
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.