Sacramento Cal-SOAP Consortium
WHAT ARE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES?
• Financial: Special financial circumstances are those, which significantly affect the families’ ability to pay
for college. Examples: Parent lost a job? Someone critically ill? Family disaster? Siblings in private school?
Special student expenses at college, like medical or disability? Family concerned it cannot meet the
required contribution?
• Adverse Home Conditions: A student from a difficult background, perhaps completely estranged from or
endangered by his or her family, may qualify as an “independent” student. A student with this circumstance
will need considerable guidance from the college Financial Aid Office in applying for a ‘dependency
override’. If the college approves an override, no parent information will be required for the FAFSA.
WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE?
Financial Aid Offices have the authority to exercise discretion and recognize both the financial and
adverse home conditions described above. Only the Financial Aid Office can make changes; government
agencies like the United States Department of Education or various State agencies cannot authorize changes in
the FAFSA data. The degree to which this discretion is exercised varies greatly from school to school.
The actual amount and type of extra financial aid a student might receive cannot be known until the
student goes through the process. Financial Aid Office staff will explain possible outcomes and help to get a
rapid answer so a college choice can be made.
Each student is considered on a case-by-case basis. Each college to which the student applies has its own
internal policies and procedures for professional judgment. A student may be treated differently by different
colleges because discretion is appropriately local and designed to fit a wide range of programs and options.
PRESENTING THE CASE:
Whenever a special need is present or a crisis happens, the student and family should take action immediately.
Although students may request special consideration at any time during the year, submitting a request as early
as possible will help the student be considered for the best range of financial aid available. The following general
steps are advised:
• Contact the Financial Aid Office of each college under consideration and ask for advice. Many
colleges have special forms for student use and each college will describe its own procedures.
• Write a detailed explanation of the special circumstance. All statements should be signed and dated
by the student and by at least one parent, if possible.
--For Financial Conditions: Include the exact financial details of the circumstance. For example, a
Letter should not say, “I will make less money this year.” It should say, “My best estimate is I will make
$4,000 less this year.” The Financial Aid Office needs specific figures; it cannot make estimates for the
student. Also include the exact time period of the change. A student should not write, “I think my Dad’s
disability will last for a while.” It is better to say, “My best estimate is my Dad will be on disability from
February 2009 until January 15, 2010.” If estimates later prove to be wrong, a student should contact
the Financial Aid Office for advice.
--For Adverse Home Conditions: The student should describe the exact conditions that make it
difficult or impossible for his or her parents do their part of the FAFSA. If a high school counselor can
also write an explanation of the situation, it is helpful. Counselors should include their phone numbers
and contact hours in case the Financial Aid Office has questions.
• Document the circumstance, following the advice of the Financial Aid Office. It will save time if
documents can be attached to the original detailed explanation. Be sure to include the student’s name
and social security number on all correspondence sent to the Financial Aid Office.
--For Financial Conditions: The family should include copies of letters, bills, eligibility statements,
etc., which demonstrate the current financial situation.
--For Adverse Home Conditions: The student will need letters of support. The student might be able
To get a letter or letters from family friends, a social worker, a doctor, a minister, etc. In addition, there
may be court, police or other public records to help document the circumstance.
• Follow-up with each Financial Aid Office to be sure materials were received and nothing more is
needed. The student should receive a response within a reasonable amount of time.
How to Present Special Circumstances to the Financial Aid Office
Sacramento Cal-SOAP Consortium
