REDUCED INCOME REVIEW (Special Circumstances)

If you and/or your family's 2006 income will be reduced significantly ($2,000 or more) compared to your/their 2005 income, please complete the Special Circumstances Form and your Federal financial aid may be considered using the reduced income information.

We can only process a special circumstance form if you have filed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and if you have provided documented proof of the special circumstance along with documentation of the income reduction. Examples of this supporting documentation would be: a letter of dismissal from your employer, a final paystub, a separation/divorce degree, a letter stating your unemployment compensation benefits, etc.

The review of requests for special circumstances will begin after June 1, or after ten consecutive weeks of loss of employment, whichever is later. Additional verification of income may be requested as the calendar year ends. If it is determined that the estimated income is significantly under reported ($2,000 or more), we will re-calculate the student's eligibility. Over awards as a result of under estimated income will be the responsibility of the student.

If you would also like to file for special circumstances for your PHEAA state grant, please stop in our office for a form or call PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392.