Occasionally, unique circumstances occur that have an impact on the ability to pay for college. When these situations arise, the Financial Aid Office may be able to make adjustments to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which could result in a recalculation of aid eligibility. There must be compelling reasons for this step to be taken and adequate supporting documentation is required. Special circumstances could include:
- Involuntary decrease or loss income
- Divorce or separation
- Death of parent or spouse
- Unusually high medical and dental expenses not covered by insurance
- Private elementary and secondary school tuition expenses
- Documented catastrophic expenses
Please note: The following reasons are not considered as a special circumstance appeal: bankruptcy, foreclosure, home repairs, tithes, alms, credit card debt, loan debt, mortgage or car payments, weddings, and cosmetic or elective purchases.
Additionally, if your FAFSA is selected the verification process, verification must be completed before we can review your appeal request.
The Process
- Step 1: Student/Parent should contact The Solution Center. A Solution Center Specialist will discuss your appeal request to determine if it meets the requirements to proceed with the appeal.
- Step 2: If situation warrants an appeal, student/parent will be sent further instructions and student must activate an account in the Financial Aid Portal if not already done.
- Step 3: A financial aid representative will contact the student/parent once official appeal request is received.
- Step 4: The financial aid representative will request further documentation for the student to upload into the Financial Aid Portal.
- Step 5: Financial Aid Office will contact student via email when appeal is complete.
Appeal Review and Decision
The Financial Aid Appeal Committee will review the request. Decisions may take 2-4 weeks. The Committee will base the decision on the circumstances detailed on this page and in the supporting documentation. Students are notified of the decision via their UMass Lowell (UML) email. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee an adjustment or increase to the student’s financial aid. The approval of an appeal is based on a one-time special circumstance, availability of funds, and timeliness of application.
Please do not disregard your university bill due date while waiting for the appeal decision.
All change in circumstance requests will require the submission of supporting documentation, including most recent year signed federal tax returns and W-2/1099 information. In addition to these required documents, you must also provide the following information, if applicable, depending on the reason for your appeal:
Parents Loss/Reduction of Incomeof at least 25% compared to income on FAFSA. (UML requests you wait at least 60 days after loss of income to request an appeal.
- Most recent pay stubs for parents (required)
- Statement of unemployment benefits
- Copy of termination letter
- Severance package information
Student/Spouse Loss/Reduction of Incomeof at least 25% compared to income on FAFSA. (UML requests you wait at least 60 days after loss of income to request an appeal).
- Most recent pay stubs for student/spouse (required)
- Statement of unemployment benefits
- Copy of termination letter
- Severance package information
Excessive medical expenses not covered by insurance and PAID from income during the tax year reported on the FAFSA.
- Copies of PAID medical/dental bills including name of patient and dates of payment.
- Expenses must be for a family member reported in the household number on the FAFSA
Elementary or secondary tuition PAID from income during the tax year reported on the FAFSA.
- Copies of PAID tuition bills for student or sibling listed on FAFSA, including name of student and dates of payment
- Expenses must be for a family member reported in the household number on the FAFSA
Documented catastrophic expenses
- Statement of insurance coverage
- Receipts for PAID expenses
The Financial Aid Office may request additional documentation to those listed above as deemed necessary.