Special and Unusual Circumstances

The FAFSA requires families to provide income information from two prior years on the application however the University of New Haven recognizes that families may experience special circumstances or unusual circumstances that are not reflected in the information on the FAFSA or happen after the FAFSA has been submitted. Individuals will need to provide documents to the Financial Aid Office to explain and substantiate their circumstances. Once all required documentation is received by the Financial Aid Office, it will be reviewed to determine if it changes the studentÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s eligibility for financial aid.

NOTE: Be advised that the submission of the required documentation does NOT guarantee an adjustment to the student's financial aid or dependency status.

Special Circumstances: Some examples are a significant change in income, change in marital status, or loss of a job. Items families will need to provide will vary but in general, for a student's file to be re-evaluated for Special Circumstances the following must be provided to the Financial Aid Office:

  1. Special Circumstances Appeal Form
  2. Letter explaining the extenuating Circumstances
  3. Supporting Documentation (examples are listed on the Special Circumstances form)

Unusual Circumstances: Concerns regarding a studentÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ™s dependency status based on a unique situation. For example, refugee or asylee status, human trafficking, parental abandonment, contact with parents poses risk, etc.

  1. Students experiencing an Unusual Circumstance, should contact the Financial Aid Office directly so we can better understand the circumstance and advise what documentation is needed based on the specific situation.