Changes to the FAFSA
Changes to the FAFSA
The goal of adjusting the FAFSA is to reduce the EFC, in the hopes of increasing a student’s federal aid eligibility. Therefore, students who already have a 0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) do not qualify for a Professional Judgment review; they already receive the maximum amount of aid possible. A change to the EFC could, but is not guaranteed to, result in a change of eligibility for need based awards. The Professional Judgment is not a guarantee of additional funding.
Examples of reasons to request a change to the FAFSA:
- Loss or reduction of income (needs to be out of job 3-6 months before review will be completed)
- Child Support reduction or change
- Divorce/Separation of parents/spouse
- Death of parent(s) or spouse
- One-time taxable income (IRA disbursement, pension distribution, etc.)
Email your Financial Aid Counselor to determine if a PJ may help you qualify for additional aid. In the subject include “Change in Family Circumstances” and provide detailed explanation of your special circumstances. Your assigned counselor will reply and request the necessary documents for the review. An aid administrator’s decision regarding adjustments is final and cannot be appealed to other individuals of the institution or the U.S. Department of Education.
Possible Documentation Required:
- Signed taxes (years to be determined by counselor)
- W2’s and /or 1099 forms
- Unemployment benefits
- Court or Legal Documents
- Death certificates
- Additional Documentation may be requested