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Special Circumstances

When students and/or their families experience a change in financial circumstances, the information on the FAFSA may no longer accurately reflect their current financial situation. In some cases, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services may be able to adjust income information based on these special circumstances.

If students and/or their families have been affected by national emergencies, like COVID-19, or natural disasters, like flooding, they may consider requesting a Special Circumstances review.

A review does not guarantee additional financial support, but does allow the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services to consider any loss of wages or out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the incident.

Types of Special Circumstances

  • Job termination or loss of income (due to loss of job and/or reduction in hours worked)
  • Divorce or separation after the FAFSA was completed
  • Death of a parent or spouse after the FAFSA was completed
  • Reduced earnings due to disability or natural disaster
  • Loss or reduction of untaxed income or benefits
  • Loss or reduction of child support/alimony received
  • Child support paid
  • Housing expenses
  • Unreimbursed medical or dental expenses
  • Dependent care expenses
  • Retirement
  • Parent in college (at least half-time and matriculated)

To request a Special Circumstances review:

1.      Complete the relevant aid year FAFSA at fafsa.gov

2.      Email Specialcirc@kean.edu and indicate the Special Circumstance(s)

3.      The Special Circumstances team will assess eligibility for the Special Circumstance

If the request is applicable, an email with the link and/or forms with instructions on how to continue the process will be sent. 

Notification will be sent if additional information for submission to the Proverifier processor is required to make a determination, if the request is not applicable, or if the change will not result in any change to current financial aid.

  • The Special Circumstances review cannot be processed until all documentation is submitted.
  • A Special Circumstance Review does not guarantee additional aid.
  • Therefore, students are responsible for all charges while their requests are being considered.
  • All decisions are final.