The FAFSA Simplification Act (the Act) distinguishes between different categories of professional judgment by amending section 479A of the HEA.
Special Circumstances refer to the financial situations (loss of a job, etc.) that justify an adjustment to data elements in the COA or in the EFC or SAI calculation.
Unusual Circumstances refer to the conditions that justify making an adjustment to a student’s dependency status based on a unique situation (e.g., human trafficking, refugee or asylee status, parental abuse or abandonment, incarceration), more commonly referred to as a dependency override.
A student may have both a special circumstance and an unusual circumstance. Financial aid administrators (FAAs) may make adjustments that are appropriate to each student’s situation with appropriate documentation.
An FAA may conduct dependency overrides on a case-by-case basis for students with unusual circumstances.
A student is considered homeless if they lack fixed, regular, and adequate housing. This is broader than just living “on the street.” It includes but is not limited to:
**The documentation for evaluation of your living arrangements must demonstrate that you meet the definition of an independent student. The determination may be based upon a written statement from, or a documented interview with, you that confirms that you are an unaccompanied homeless youth, or unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting.
Homeless Youth Definitions
Housing Status Definitions
If you are a dependent student whose parents refuse to provide support, you are not eligible for a dependency override, but may be able to receive a dependent level Direct Unsubsidized Loan only. For a student to be eligible for this provision we must document the following:
If your parents refuse to sign and date a statement to this effect, you must get documentation from a third party, such as a teacher, counselor, cleric, or court.
Under HEA Sec. 480(d)(9), the FAFSA Simplification Act incorporated additional unusual circumstances to consider when you are unable to contact a parent or where contact with parents poses a risk to you.
Unusual circumstances do include (but are not limited to):
In such cases an override might be warranted based upon your individual circumstances. These conditions would also not disqualify you from being a homeless unaccompanied youth or self-supporting and at risk of homelessness.
However, none of the conditions listed below, singly or in combination, qualify as unusual circumstances meriting a dependency override.
Unusual circumstances do not include:
If you cannot provide documentation or are unsure as to which document is applicable to you, please contact our office at faidinfo@bigbend.edu or 509.793.2088
An aid administrator may use PJ on a case-by-case basis to adjust the student’s cost of attendance or the data used to calculate his or her EFC/SAI. This adjustment is valid only at the school making the change.
The law gives some examples of special circumstances that MAY be considered:
Change in employment status, income, or assets
Change in housing status (e.g., homelessness)
Tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school
Medical, dental, or nursing home expenses not covered by insurance
Child or dependent care expenses
Severe disability of the student or other member of the student’s household
Other changes or adjustments that impact the student’s costs or ability to pay for college.
This is not an exhaustive list.
2023 – 2024 Academic Year (Summer 2023 – Spring 2024)
2024 – 2025 Academic Year (Summer 2024 – Spring 2025)
**Come back in January 2025 for use of 2024 income (your taxes must be done prior to completion and submission).