What is considered an extenuating circumstance?

Defining Extenuating Circumstances Extenuating circumstances are usually personal or health problems that we define as:Exceptional, short-term events which are outside of a student’s control and have a negative impact upon their ability to prepare for or take (sit) an assessment.

Is mental illness an extenuating circumstance?

However, examples of extenuating circumstances typically include everything from physical and mental illness to personal problems. The illness may be something like depression, that can affect your studies over a long period, or a migraine that just affects one exam.

What are special circumstances for college application?

Examples of Special CircumstancesMoving multiple times during high school.Care-giving responsibilities.Significant out-of-the-home work responsibilities.Significant educational interruptions.Course offering limitations.

What are some special circumstances?

Below are examples of situations that are considered to be special circumstances:Loss or reduction of employment, wages, or unemployment compensation.Loss of untaxed income or benefits e.g. Social Security benefits or child support.Separation or divorce.Death of a parent or spouse.Elementary or secondary school tuition.

What are unusual family circumstances?

Examples of an “unusual” family circumstances: There are no absolute definitions for “unusual” family circumstances. However, examples might include abusive family situations, severely dysfunctional families, or families who have broken up because of substance abuse.

What are unusual circumstances?

Related Definitions Unusual circumstances means uncommon, rare or sudden events over which the reporting individual had no control and which directly result in the failure to act in accordance with the filing requirements.

What is considered a special circumstance for financial aid?

Your special circumstance may be one of the following: You are unable to provide parental information. You are homeless or at risk of being homeless. You are seeking an unsubsidized loan only.

What are financial circumstances?

Such circumstances include separation/divorce, loss of income, high medical and/or dental expenses (not covered by insurance), or a documented catastrophic expense. The majority of financial assistance is based upon financial need.

What is a special circumstance letter?

A letter of special circumstance, also known as a letter for financial assistance, is a letter that a student writes to a college or university when they cannot afford the tuition. Once the school receives the letter, it will look further into the situation.

How do you receive a waiver from a financial aid administrator for unusual circumstances?

To apply for a dependency override, contact the college’s financial aid office. You can request a dependency override at any time, even in the middle of the academic year. The financial aid office can ask you to complete a form or to submit a letter along with documentation of the unusual circumstances.

How do I write a special circumstances letter for financial aid?

Your financial aid award appeal letter should include the following:An address to a specific person. A clear “ask” and a specific “why.” Ask the office to reconsider, then offer a clear-cut reason why you need more aid money.Details of any special circumstances. Appropriate documentation. An exact amount.

What is a dependency override form?

A dependency override would allow the student to be considered an independent student (for financial aid purposes only) and exempt the student from providing parental data on his/her FAFSA.

How do you write a dependency override letter?

1. Personal letter of appeal written by the student to include the following information: a) Reason for requesting a dependency override. b) Explanation of why parental (mother & father) information cannot be provided on the FAFSA. c) Date (month and year) of last contact had with each biological parent.

How do I change my dependency status?

Where do I change my dependent status?Click on the Personal Info tab.Click on Edit next to your name.In section #3, mark the box that Someone else can claim me on their tax return.Then mark whether that your parent(s) will claim you on their 2019 return.Continue with the rest of the return.

What age do you become an independent student?

At the moment, you are regarded as independent if you are 22 years old. If you have not reached the independent age yet, your claim may be subject to a parental means test unless you are able to meet independence through another criteria (eg self support, relationship etc).

Should I file independent on my fafsa?

Students who are dependent for federal student aid purposes must supply parent information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who are independent do not have to supply their parents’ information and often qualify for more student financial aid as a result.

How much financial aid will I get for being independent?

First-year undergraduate students: Dependent students can take out as much as $5,500 ($3,500 of which can be subsidized loans), while independent students can take out $9,500, with the same amount in subsidized loans.

Why am I considered an independent student on fafsa?

The federal definition of an independent student is one who meets at least one of the following criteria: You are working on a degree beyond a bachelor’s, such as a master’s or doctorate. You have a child or children, or other legal dependents, who receive more than half their financial support from you.