Students and families who are experiencing economic hardship may apply for a reduction of income through the Special Conditions appeal. Students may elect to appeal their eligibility for federal and state aid resulting from an involuntary reduction of income during the recent tax years. The purpose of this process is to show a more accurate picture of the family's circumstances at present.
Reasons for Special Conditions
Appeal Requirements
Comprehensive instructions are included on the Special Conditions appeal cover letter.
This can be obtained in person at the Office of Financial Aid. All paperwork must be submitted to Financial Aid at one time as a single organized file.
Verification documents
Special Conditions appeal cover letter. Note the date when the circumstance began on it.
Detailed statement explaining the situation or reason for the reduction of income. (Only involuntary job loss will be considered.)
Supporting documentation for the appeal. Appeals submitted without documentation will be denied.
Involuntary job loss — termination letter or lay-off notice, proof of unemployment
Death of wage earner — copy of death certificate
Marital separation — utility bills no more than 30 days old, copy of lease, separate pay stubs with different addresses
Divorce — copy of the finalized divorce decree
Medical — all medical bills, Workmen's Compensation statements, Social Security disability statements
Verification worksheet
Tax return transcripts, tax schedules (C, E, K) and all accompanying W-2s
Documentation of any untaxed income (i.e., child support received, SSI/SSD, TANF)
Documentation of your projected income for the year (last pay stubs, unemployment letter of determination, copy of severance pay, SSI/SSD, Workmen's Compensation determination)
How it Works
Students must complete the FAFSA and verification process before submitting an appeal.
Student file will first be verified according to FSA guidelines.
Appeal will be reviewed by an administrator.
Approval or denial letter will be mailed to student's home address.
If approved the reduction of income will be processed:
This will result in a new
Student Aid Report (SAR) being sent to the student. It will include his/her revised eligibility.
The financial aid will be packaged to the student's account; check the "Financial Aid Awards" portion of the Portal.
If denied the student must find an alternative means of paying the term bill.
Denied Appeals
Students whose appeals are denied will be packaged for federal and state aid according to their initial eligibility. If this is not enough to cover the term bill, the student must use an alternative method of payment. Potential options may include the
RCSJ Payment Plan, Sallie Mae Smart Loan or Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan.
Note: This is not a complete list; it's meant to provide examples of alternative financing. Students who plan on borrowing a loan from a private financial institution are strongly encouraged to first research the interest rates and repayment requirements.
