Special Circumstances
Federal financial aid regulations specify that financial aid eligibility is based on income earned in a previous tax year. For example, 2023-2024 financial aid eligibility is based on income and tax information for calendar year 2021.
However, in some cases, like those listed below, a family's financial circumstances may have changed since the tax year information being used to complete the FAFSA. You may request that we evaluate your need based aid on your more current financial situation, such as income earned in 2022 or expected income in 2023 instead of income reported on the FAFSA.
Please note- Results from the FAFSA must be on file with the Office of Financial Aid before a special financial circumstance can be considered.
Examples of circumstances that may be considered include:
- Loss of Taxable/Untaxed Income (i.e. loss of employment of 8 weeks or longer (this requirement may be waived in certain situations), loss of social security or disability benefits, other significant reduction of income, etc.)
- Separation or Divorce
- Death of Parent or Spouse
- Medical/Dental Expense (expenses paid and not covered by insurance)
- One-time Income Exception
Please complete the Special Circumstance appeal form and submit all required documentation. If you have questions about your particular situation or any of the required documents, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
When evaluating your eligibility we will give full consideration to the information provided, however, it is not guaranteed that adjustments to your information will result in a change of Financial Aid eligibility.
Additionally, the Office of Financial Aid will consider special circumstances for a family on a case-by-case basis. Having adjustments made in one academic year does not guarantee considerations will be made in following academic years. Special circumstance appeals must be made on an annual basis and after the FAFSA has been completed for that specific academic year.
2023-24 Special Circumstance Form – Dependent
Note regarding Dependent form: Must be initiated by the student using MyCLU login
2023-24 Special Circumstance Form – Independent