Special Circumstances

If you believe you have a special circumstance that was not reflected on the FAFSA, we may be able to take it into consideration if you take the necessary steps to document your situation. Special circumstances include but are not limited to:

Reduction of Income

If you or a family member whose income was provided on the FAFSA has had a significant change in income, we may be able to use professional judgement to update your FAFSA with the appropriate documentation. To request a re-evaluation, submit the following:

1. A detailed letter of explanation. Be sure to include:
   • The name of person whose income has changed and their relationship to the student.
   • Date the income changed occurred.
   • Circumstance (i.e. lost job and still unemployed, started new job at lower pay rate, reduced hours, etc.)
   • Tell us about current sources of household income.
2. Documentation.
   • Separation letter from previous employer
   • Pay stubs from the most recent pay period
   • Unemployment documentation

You are unable to provide parental information 

Extenuating Parental Circumstance (for students with NO parental contact)

Examples might include:

• Parental abuse or abandonment
• Parental whereabouts are unknown, or
• Other similar circumstances that prevent a student from being able to obtain parental information for the FAFSA

Students in these scenarios may request a Dependency Override by submitting:

1. A written, signed statement from the student applicant explaining the situation in detail. The letter must address the student’s relationship with both biological or adoptive parents.
2. A written, signed statement from an adult outside the family, in a professional position, who can confirm the situation (a high school guidance counselor, psychologist, family physician, clergy person, or member of the law enforcement, etc.).  This statement must be on professional letterhead.
3. Documentation of court or DSS (Department of Social Services) involvement, if applicable.

If you are unable to obtain supporting documentation from a professional, please contact the Financial Aid to discuss other options.

Parent Non-Support (for students who still have parental contact)

• Parent is unwilling to provide the financial information needed to complete the FAFSA,
• Parent refuses to contribute towards college expenses
• Student financially supports themselves

Students who meet these criteria do not qualify for a Dependency Override, but can be considered for an unsubsidized student loan only if they provide the following:

1. A written, signed statement from the student applicant explaining the situation. In this letter, the student must state that they do not live with their parents, that they receive no financial support from parents, and indicate how student is being supported (self-supporting, living with another family member, etc.). Please be sure to address the situations concerning both of your biological or adoptive parents. 
2. A signed statement from parent (or both parents if they are not married and living together) indicating that the student does not live with them, that they do not and will not provide any financial support to student, and that they refuse to complete the FAFSA.  Students should make every effort to obtain this letter from their parent.  If a letter from the parent not possible, a student must submit a written, signed statement from an adult outside the family, in a professional position, who can confirm the situation (a high school guidance counselor, psychologist, family physician, clergy person, or member of the law enforcement, etc.).  This letter must be on the individual’s professional letterhead.  

High medical expenses that were paid out of pocket

Provide:

1. Letter explaining the circumstances.
2. Documentation of the medical expenses that were paid out of pocket (Cannot be copies of the bills themselves, must document actual payment).

Please note that additional documentation may be needed to process your request. Students will be notified in writing of any requests for additional information. Although we do our best to accommodate extenuating circumstances, approval of these requests is not guaranteed. 

If you have a unique situation that is not outlined above and is affecting your ability to complete the FAFSA or pay for college, contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance by calling 508-854-4261 or by email to financialaid [at] qcc.mass.edu.