Appeals for Special Circumstances
Federal regulations provide the SFS office with discretionary authority to make case-by-case adjustments to student/parent FAFSA data in cases of special circumstances. Special circumstances may include:
- Documentable significant reductions to income (loss of job, reduction of work hours, etc.)
- Unusually high medical or dental expenses (uninsured amounts only)
- A parent attending college
- Dependency status appeals
Depending on your special circumstance, you will have to submit one of the following forms:
- Appeal for Special Circumstances – Anything that has to do with income, loss of job, extra-ordinary expenses, etc.
- Appeal for Parent in College
- Appeal for Independent Student Status
Please follow directions on the form. You may be required to attached a detailed typed explanation of your special circumstances, including dates and dollar amounts and applicable supporting documents, such as disability eligibility letters, invoices and/or estimates of costs, receipts, cancelled checks, unemployment documentation (including the last pay stub), W2s etc. You may also have to attach letters of support.
Forms are available at the SFS office or on-line at:
Private school tuition appeals: PLNU does not consider appeals for private secondary school tuition. The Department of Education has provided guidance that professional judgements must be a unique circumstance and cannot be applied to a class of students.
^ Back to Top ^
