Extenuating/Special Circumstances Presented by: Kevin Ryan University at Buffalo

RED FLAGS I’m pregnant… I’m pregnant… I have nothing to do with my parents… I have nothing to do with my parents… My parents kicked me out… My parents kicked me out… I live with a relative… I live with a relative… My parents do not support me…. My parents do not support me…. My parents do not claim me on their tax returns.. My parents do not claim me on their tax returns.. My parents won’t pay for my college education…. My parents won’t pay for my college education…. ETC…. ETC….

What are Extenuating/Special Circumstances? Although the formula used to determine eligibility for federal student aid is basically the same for all applicants, there is some flexibility. Although the formula used to determine eligibility for federal student aid is basically the same for all applicants, there is some flexibility. In some cases the financial aid administrator might adjust the cost of attendance or the information used to calculate the EFC to take into account any extenuating circumstances the student might have. In some cases the financial aid administrator might adjust the cost of attendance or the information used to calculate the EFC to take into account any extenuating circumstances the student might have. Extenuating Circumstances are conditions that DIFFERENIATE an individual student, not a condition that exists for a whole class of students. Extenuating Circumstances are conditions that DIFFERENIATE an individual student, not a condition that exists for a whole class of students.

Extenuating Circumstances Divorce Divorce Separation Separation Death Death Job Loss Job Loss High Medical expenses High Medical expenses Elementary and Secondary tuition costs. Elementary and Secondary tuition costs. Independence: always refer to the Financial Aid office at the school. Independence: always refer to the Financial Aid office at the school.

Other Extenuating Circumstances There may be unique situations that do not fall into these parameters. Always check with the financial aid administrator to see if the student may qualify. There may be unique situations that do not fall into these parameters. Always check with the financial aid administrator to see if the student may qualify.

How does a student apply? Contact the school for an application and guidance. Contact the school for an application and guidance. Most schools have a specific application that they can send to you which specifies what documentation is required. Most schools have a specific application that they can send to you which specifies what documentation is required. Always remember: Documentation, Documentation Documentation! Always remember: Documentation, Documentation Documentation!

Examples of Documentation Example: Example: Unemployment: If a parent loses their job in January 2006 and the information reported on the FAFSA is from An Extenuating Circumstance has occurred. Unemployment: If a parent loses their job in January 2006 and the information reported on the FAFSA is from An Extenuating Circumstance has occurred. Possible required documentation: Possible required documentation: A letter from the former employer stating the last day of work and YTD earnings. A letter from the former employer stating the last day of work and YTD earnings. Documentation of any severance pay and unemployment benefits received. Documentation of any severance pay and unemployment benefits received.

Most schools do not accept this paperwork until after a certain amount of time has passed. Most schools do not accept this paperwork until after a certain amount of time has passed. This is due to temporary situations. This is due to temporary situations. Always check with the school. Always check with the school.

Deadlines Each school sets up deadlines. Each school sets up deadlines. Make sure you check and adhere to these dates. Make sure you check and adhere to these dates. Try to work with one person at the school. Try to work with one person at the school. Remember just because one school has approved and processed an extenuating circumstance for the student, this does not mean that all schools will do the same. This decision is determined by each school. Remember just because one school has approved and processed an extenuating circumstance for the student, this does not mean that all schools will do the same. This decision is determined by each school.

Dependency Overrides Case by Case basis. Case by Case basis. Examples: Examples: Relative has legal guardianship of student. Relative has legal guardianship of student. Student unable to live at family residence due to documented abuse. Student unable to live at family residence due to documented abuse. Parents unwillingness to provide information or support the students education DOES NOT qualify for an override. Parents unwillingness to provide information or support the students education DOES NOT qualify for an override.

Final Thoughts Should be filed only after the original FAFSA has been processed. Should be filed only after the original FAFSA has been processed. If conditions such as death, divorce and separation occur prior to submission of the original FAFSA, that information should be listed on the initial FAFSA form. If conditions such as death, divorce and separation occur prior to submission of the original FAFSA, that information should be listed on the initial FAFSA form.

Final Thoughts Always check with your financial aid administrator if you have any other extenuating circumstances that might affect the students dependency status or the amount the family is expected to contribute. Always check with your financial aid administrator if you have any other extenuating circumstances that might affect the students dependency status or the amount the family is expected to contribute. There always needs to be a very good reason along with proper documentation to support the claim. There always needs to be a very good reason along with proper documentation to support the claim. The administrators decision is final and this cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education. The administrators decision is final and this cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.

QUESTIONS ??