Special Financial Circumstances

The Financial Aid Office recognizes that some families experience changes in income, assets, or family situations that are not reflected on your current FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Therefore, it may be possible for students to appeal their financial aid offer if they have special financial circumstances.

Special Circumstance Process Appeal

• Complete FAFSA.
• Provide the financial aid office with copies of:
  (Student and parents, if parental information was included on the FAFSA)
• A signed copy of their most current completed federal income tax return(s)
• W-2s
• Verification Worksheet (available in the office
• Complete Special Circumstance Appeal Form.

Once your appeal is received and your documentation has been submitted it will be reviewed, and you will be notified by the Appeals Committee of the result.

Required Documentation

In order to make appropriate changes to a student’s financial aid, documentation of the special circumstance MUST be submitted. Typical documentation may include:

Reduction of Income

• Complete “Special Circumstance Appeal”.
• Job termination notice or letter from employer stating dates of employment.

Medical/Dental Expenses Not Covered By Insurance

(Only expenses exceeding $1200 will be considered.)

• Completed “Special Circumstance Appeal” form.
• Bills/receipts or check stubs.
• Letter(s) from doctor(s).

Non-Discretionary Debt Expenses

• Completed “Special Circumstance Appeal” form.
• Statement of PLUS loan payments.
• Estimate of expenses incurred as a result of a natural disaster.
• Other documentation as necessary.

Student Status Change from Dependent to Independent

• Completed “Dependency Override Appeal” form.

The following circumstances will NOT be considered:

• Tuition for elementary/secondary education.
• Parent attending college.
• Medical/Dental expenses less than $1200.
• Dependent student reduction of income less than $7,000.

Call, Click, or Come In
(319) 296-4020 or 1-800-670-4769 x4020
Email finaid@hawkeyecollege.edu
Financial Aid Office—Hawkeye Center—Main Campus