May 2020
Financial Aid Appeals
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Many students and families have experienced changes in their financial situation over the past few months and may be wondering if they can request additional financial aid from colleges. The good news is students and families can appeal for more financial aid and we encourage them to do so! Below are some tips to help navigate the appeal process.
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1. Know that students can appeal
Even prior to COVID-19, students and families were encouraged to appeal the financial aid offer (also referred to as requesting a professional judgment or special circumstances review) if their financial situation had changed or there was something impacting the family’s ability to pay that was not on the FAFSA. Now, it is more critical than ever that students and families know it is appropriate to ask for an appeal and recommended that they reach out to the financial aid office to discuss financial challenges.
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2. Evaluate the situation
Determine what is different from what was on the FAFSA. Has there been a reduction in income or a job loss? Have parents divorced or separated? Has a parent passed away? Also think about information that was never on the FAFSA that impacts the family's ability to pay for school, including significant out-of-pocket medical expenses, parent repayment of educational loans, or other significant non-discretionary expenses. Although students can simply ask for more money, most of the time a change in situation must be identified to be considered for more financial aid.
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3. Connect with the financial aid office
Contact the financial aid office and provide a quick overview of the situation. Ask whether an appeal is possible, and if so, what is the next step? Is there a specific form required or should the student and/or parent simply write a letter? What type of documentation should be included? When calling the aid office be sure to make a note of the date and name of the financial aid administrator with whom the situation was discussed. If using email, be sure to save all related emails.
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4. Submit required forms and/or write a letter
Complete any required forms provided by the financial aid office. Even if a form is required, it is helpful to write a letter. When writing a letter, include the following information:
- summary of the situation, including the impact on the family;
- statement that the special circumstance was beyond the family’s control, if appropriate;
- documentation of the situation; and
- contact information in case the financial aid office has follow up questions.
Keep the letter concise - no more than a page or two. For help writing an appeal letter, check out a new, free online service called
SwiftStudent
.
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5
. Work collaboratively with the Financial Aid Office
These are really challenging times. Many students and families are experiencing financial situations that are extremely stressful. Financial aid offices are being swamped with appeals while dealing with the transition to working from home so be aware it may take some time before they reply. When it comes to appeals, financial aid administrators are the only individuals who have the authority to make adjustments. The best scenario is for students and families to discuss their circumstances openly, even when it is difficult, and work together with the financial aid administrator to find solutions.
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Join us for this month's FREE Wednesday Webinar:
Financial Aid Appeals
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Students and families have always been encouraged to pursue appeals when current circumstances are different than what is reflected on the FAFSA. But during this time of economic instability, it is especially important that students understand what options exist. In this session we’ll discuss the various types of appeals, as well as explore the process and timing of appeals. We will also share some new resources that can make pursuing requests for review easier. Lastly, we’ll look to the future and attempt to forecast the impact of these economic disruptions on the 2021-2022 FAFSA and financial aid cycle.
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FAME's College Access and Financial Education Team:
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The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) does not discriminate in the administration of any of its programs or in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation. FAME is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.
FAME provides links to other websites as a convenience and does not endorse or guarantee the content accuracy or usability of such sites.
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