Special Circumstances for Appealing FAFSA Eligibility

When unforeseen circumstances impact your financial situation, you may qualify for a reevaluation of your aid.

If your financial situation changes, the information on your FAFSA may no longer be accurate. You can submit a Special Circumstance Appeal to request a review of your federal aid eligibility.

In some cases, a financial aid administrator may adjust your Student Aid Index (SAI), which may make you eligible for federal aid programs like subsidized loans, federal grants or other need-based aid.

Do I qualify for a Special Circumstance Appeal?

If you're unsure whether your financial change qualifies for an appeal, contact One-Stop Student Services for help. Our advisors are available to answer questions and guide you throughout the process.

Examples of Special Circumstances

You may qualify for a Special Circumstance Appeal if you experience any of the following:

• Loss or reduction of income lasting 8+ weeks due to a job loss or a change in employment status.
• Death, divorce or separation of a parent or spouse since filing your original FAFSA.
• Loss of benefits such as unemployment, disability, social security, child support or alimony.
• One-time payments received during the FAFSA tax year, such as IRA/pension distributions, inheritance or similar non-recurring payment that inflates your income for a single year.

Examples That Do Not Qualify

The following situations are not considered for financial aid adjustments:

• Secondary tuition payments (e.g., private school tuition for siblings).
• Reduction of assets (asset changes will affect the next FAFSA year, not the current one).
• Increased standard living expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, groceries).
• High debt-to-income ratios.

Important Notes

• Undergraduate students already receiving the maximum Pell Grant will not receive additional federal need-based aid through an appeal.
• Graduate and professional students are not eligible for need-based aid. If you already receive the maximum annual loan amount, you will not receive additional aid through an appeal. 

Special Circumstance Appeal Process

All appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not guaranteed. Even if approved, a recalculation of your FAFSA may not increase your financial aid eligibility.

If you were selected for FAFSA Verification, you must first complete that process before your Special Circumstance Appeal can be reviewed. 

How to Submit a Special Circumstance Appeal

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Ensure you have completed the FAFSA for the applicable aid year.

Step 2: Fill Out the Special Circumstance Appeal Form

Gather all required documentation and fill out the appropriate Special Circumstance Appeal form:

Step 3: Submit Documentation

Choose one of the following methods to submit your forms and documentation:

• Electronically: Use the Secure File Drop to protect sensitive information.
• In person: Stop by the One-Stop office in the Memorial Union.
• By mail:
  UND One-Stop Student Services
  Memorial Union Rm 302
  2901 University Ave Stop 7155
  Grand Forks, ND 58202-7155

Do not email W-2s, tax forms or other personal information. Only documents submitted electronically through the Secure File Drop will be accepted.

Step 4: Monitor Your UND Email

• Watch your UND student email for updates.
• Additional documentation may be requested by a financial aid administrator.

Step 5: Await Review

• Once all required documents are received, the appeal will be reviewed.
• Typical processing time is 15–30 business days.
• You’ll be notified of the decision via email. 

Submission Deadlines

• Appeals and documentation must be submitted before the last day of the semester/academic year you are appealing. Appeals cannot be processed after the enrollment period ends.
• To avoid delays, submit your appeal at least 3 weeks before the last day of the semester.