Special circumstances are changes to a family's finances that the FAFSA didn't capture, like a lost job or large medical bills. The Financial Aid Office can review these through professional judgment and, where warranted, adjust the student's SAI, which can raise eligibility for need-based aid. The review runs on a form and supporting documentation.
Adding the Form
The Professional Judgment Request form isn't in the Financial Aid Portal [WEB LINK: eSantaFe login] by default. A student requests that it be added by contacting the Financial Aid Office. The form is award-year specific.
Reasons and Documentation
The student checks the applicable reason on the form and provides matching documentation. More than one reason can apply.
Loss of employment or income reduction. Tax return transcripts or W-2s for the affected period, an employer letter on letterhead showing the last date of employment or a DD-214, proof of unemployment benefits if applicable, and the most recent paystubs showing year-to-date earnings.
Reduction in child support or alimony. Documentation of the change from the divorce agreement specifying alimony or child support if applicable, plus documentation of the total amount for each child (canceled checks, written agreement, civil judgment).
Divorce of parents or student, or a change in marital status (dependent student). Marriage certificate or divorce agreement. Signed copies of the student's and spouse's most recent federal tax returns when applicable.
Death of a parent or spouse. Death certificate, a copy of the deceased's final paycheck, and documentation of any death benefits received (life insurance, social security, pension payouts).
Excessive medical or dental expenses. Out-of-pocket expenses must exceed 11% of the household's adjusted gross income to be considered. A student whose documented expenses don't clear that threshold won't qualify, no matter the total paid. Provide Schedule A from the relevant federal tax return, plus bills, receipts, and an itemized list with totals.
One-time income increase. Tax return transcripts or W-2s showing the increase, and supporting documentation of the source (IRA disbursement, pension distribution, or similar). The statement should include the dates and how the funds were used.
Statement
Every request needs a written statement explaining the situation. It should describe what changed and when it changed.
What Makes a Strong Submission
- Documentation matches the reason checked on the form.
- Dollar amounts in the statement match the documentation.
- Dates are specific.
Submitting
The completed packet (form, statement, documentation) uploads to the Professional Judgment Request item in the Financial Aid Portal as a single file. A student can do this directly, or bring the packet in and the Financial Aid Office handles scanning and upload at intake.
What Happens Next
The Financial Aid Office reviews the request. Standard review is 2 to 3 weeks, longer at peak periods around the start of a semester. Approval is not guaranteed, and approval does not guarantee additional aid is available.