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Special Financial Circumstances

Student Aid for Students in Special Circumstances

Find additional information about special circumstances for federal student aid applications.

Special financial circumstances may include the following situations:

Significant changes to your financial situation, such as loss of employment or pay cuts.
Tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school.
High amounts of medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance.
A family member who recently became unemployed.

FAQs about Special Circumstances

My financial aid application information shows I was working full-time last year, but now I'm just working part-time so I can be a full-time student. What can I do?

You should stop by the Financial Aid Office to request a "Special Circumstances" appeal. We will need extra paperwork, including tax transcripts and documentation of the reduction in pay, such as paycheck stubs showing total earnings for the year to date. Special Circumstances Appeals can be submitted after the end of August.

My parent(s) have been laid off; can I change my financial aid application to show they aren't working now?

You need to report your parents' information as requested on the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application but should then stop by the Financial Aid Office to request a "Special Circumstances" appeal. Only the Financial Aid Office can change the information on the financial aid application.

I changed jobs and make much less than I reported on my financial aid application; what can I do?

Contact the Financial Aid Office to see if you are eligible to do a "Special Circumstances" appeal, which would allow our office to override your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application information.

If I already have a zero expected family contribution (EFC), is it worthwhile for me to do a Special Circumstances petition?

No. If you already have a zero EFC, then you will receive the maximum amount of financial aid possible, and there is no reason for you to do a Special Circumstances petition.

If my Special Circumstances petition is approved, will I get an increase in my financial aid award for the whole academic year or just the remaining quarters?

Your financial aid award for the whole academic year will be increased, and, if applicable, you will be paid retroactively for the increased amounts from previous quarters.

Other Unique Circumstances When Applying for Financial Aid

Certain students face unique challenges when applying for financial aid. These tip sheets and resources are designed to help unique student populations overcome these challenges to successfully navigate the financial aid process.

Adult Learners

Adult learners may face unique opportunities and challenges in their quest to obtain a post-secondary education. This tip sheet is designed to help adult learners with questions they may have about enrolling in school.

Download Tip Sheet for Adult Learners

Service Members and Veterans

Members of the military and veterans may face unique opportunities and challenges in their quest to obtain a post-secondary education. This tip sheet is designed to help this population with some of the pressing questions they have while contemplating enrollment in school and repaying federal student loans.

Download Tip Sheet for Service-Members and Veterans

Students with Criminal Convictions

Students with criminal convictions have limited eligibility for federal student aid. Make sure you understand your status, and don’t assume you can’t get aid. To learn more, please visit the following website for tips and resources.

Tips for Students with Criminal Convictions

Undocumented Students

Undocumented students face unique challenges in their quest to obtain post-secondary education. This tip sheet is designed to help this population with some of the pressing questions they have while contemplating whether or not they can enroll in school.

Download Tip Sheet for Undocumented Students

Are You Affected by War, Terrorism & Natural Disaster?

If you have personally been affected by a local, state, or federal disaster, or by terrorism or war, you may be eligible for certain waivers and modifications to your current financial aid or student loans you have already taken. To learn more, please visit the following website for tips and resources.

Tips for Victims of Natural Disasters, War, or Terrorism

Contact Us

Financial Aid Office

Building 8100, Room 8101
(650) 949-7245
fhfinancialaidoffice@fhda.edu

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