The FAFSA and Special Circumstances

We are in the fourth year of (PPY) Prior Prior tax year for FAFSA and it has been a welcomed change. Students can now file for financial aid as early as October 1st of their senior year allowing for additional time to compare award letters from colleges. For example, high school seniors are now using 2018 tax information for the 2020-2021 school year.

But what happens if there is a significant change in household income between filing taxes and the student starting college? If the FAFSA does not adequately reflect your current situation or your financial circumstances have changed since you submitted the FAFSA, you may request a reevaluation of your financial aid eligibility.
  • Examples of income change may include:
  • Unemployment
  • Loss of a benefit
  • Job Change
  • Illness
  • Retirement
  • Separation or Divorce
  • Unusual uncompensated medical expenses
To request a special circumstance, the student or the student’s parents (if the student is a dependent student) should ask the college's financial aid office about the school's process for a “professional judgment review.” Some colleges call it a special circumstances review or a financial aid appeal.

Colleges may ask the family to write a letter summarizing the special circumstance and to provide appropriate supporting documentation. Most colleges will have a form that can be downloaded from their website to start the process.

Financial aid advisors will work with your family to make sure you are receiving the most financial aid you are eligible to receive. As a reminder, don’t change anything on the FAFSA. You must contact the financial aid office if you think that your current financial situation may qualify for a special circumstance.


Jessica - ICAN Ankeny Center