Special/Unusual Circumstances
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a means to determine eligibility for federal student aid for every student yet we realize that the FAFSA does not address every family situation. There are cases when students and/or families have a special or unusual circumstance that is not taken into consideration on the FAFSA.
The Southern State Financial Aid Office can take into account special or unusual circumstances that may affect your need and eligibility for federal student aid. These may include:
- loss/reduction of employment or income
- unusual medical/dental expenses
- divorce, separation or death
- Student has no parental contact due to:
- Student is no longer in the parent's home due to abuse/neglect/abandonment
- Student is considered an unaccompanied youth or at risk of being homeless
- Incarcerated parent(s) -Parent(s) whereabouts unknown
- Parental drug and/or alcohol addiction
Your 2024-2025 FAFSA reflects income information from the 2022 calendar year. If you or your family's financial situation has changed from 2022, you may request to have your financial aid eligibility re-evaluated using your 2023 (January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023) or your anticipated income for 2024. The Special Circumstances Appeal form and Unusual Circumstance Appeal form are located on our Financial Aid Forms webpage. Please read over the form and instructions. Submit the completed form and required documentation to the SSCC Financial Aid Office via mail, fax (937-393-6682) or email to financialaid@sscc.edu.
WHO may complete this appeal form? ONLY the parent(s) or stepparent of a student who is defined as "dependent" by the Financial Aid Office AND only if the person(s) completing this form is/are the same person(s) whose information was reported on the student's application for financial aid (FAFSA).
WHEN will this appeal be processed? There are limitations to the circumstances the U.S. Department of Higher Education will allow financial aid professionals to consider for appeal. To remain equitable, our office will review all applications on a case-by-case basis. The Financial Aid Office will process the appeal as quickly as possible and let you know by mail or email of the decision of approval or denial.
Questions? You can contact our office at 937.393.3431 ext 2515 or financialaid@sscc.edu.
NOTE: Not all requests for change of circumstance result in a change to your financial aid.
