Special Circumstances for Financial Aid
Some students and families experience changes in their households that may impact their ability to contribute to educational expenses. The information you previously reported on the FAFSA from 2021 may no longer accurately reflect your financial situation. In some cases, the RVCC Financial Aid Office may be able to adjust the income information on the FAFSA. A review does not guarantee additional financial aid (grants or scholarships), but does allow the Financial Aid office to recalculate your aid eligibility based on the changes that have occurred.
Income Adjustments may be considered for loss of income for the following reasons:
- Change in employment/reduction in income - A change in employment includes termination/layoff from a job, furlough, retirement, total or permanent disability, a significant reduction in the number of hours worked, or a reduction in the hourly rate of pay/salary, etc.
- Death of a Parent - If your parent passed away and their income was included on your FAFSA, your application may be adjusted to reflect the income of just your custodial parent.
- Death of a Spouse - If your spouse passed away but their income was included on your 2021 tax return, your FAFSA may be adjusted to reflect the income of the student.
- Parent’s Divorce/Separation - If your parents filed a joint income tax return in 2021 but divorced or separated after your FAFSA was filed, your FAFSA may be adjusted to reflect only the income of your custodial parent.
- Student’s Divorce/Separation - If you filed a joint income tax return in 2021 but divorced or separated after your FAFSA was filed, your FAFSA may be adjusted to reflect only the income of the student.
- One Time Payments - If you or your parent had one-time income (such as IRA/pension distributions, back-year child support/social security, life insurance, gambling winnings, etc.) that inflated your Adjusted Gross Income, and the proceeds of that income have since been spent, we may be able to exclude that income from your FAFSA when determining eligibility for financial aid.
- Unusual Medical Expenses - Out of pocket medical, mental health, prescription, dental, vision, nursing home, or funeral expenses paid that were not covered by insurance or paid by someone else and exceed 11% of your annual income. Include your paid insurance premiums.
The special circumstances review cannot be processed until all documentation is submitted. Once all documentation has been successfully submitted, please allow up several weeks for processing.
