Special Circumstances

When there are special or unusual circumstances that impact your federal student aid eligibility, federal regulations give a financial aid administrator discretion or professional judgment on a case-by-case basis and with adequate documentation to make adjustments to the data elements on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that impact your Student Aid Index (SAI) to gain a more accurate assessment of your family’s ability to contribute to your cost of education. The Department of Education does not have the authority to override a school’s professional judgment decision.

Special circumstances can impact a student’s financial aid situation, including certain living arrangements or family situations that may change during your time at Clark University. Special circumstances may result in the need to clarify your situation with the Office of Financial Assistance to potentially have adjustments made.

Special circumstances include, but are not limited to:

• Change in employment status, income, or assets
• Change in parent marital status (separation, divorce)
• Death of a parent
• Tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school
• Medical, dental, or nursing home expenses paid that are not covered by insurance
• Child or dependent care expenses
• Severe disability of the student or other member of the student’s household

Unusual circumstances most often require an adjustment to a student’s dependency status and the information they provide on their FAFSA form based on a unique situation, such as being homeless or in foster care.

The FAFSA Simplification Act distinguishes between different categories of professional judgment by amending section 479A of the Higher Education Act (HEA). You are a dependent student if you are under the age of 24 and answered “No” to the dependency questions on the FAFSA. This definition means your parents must provide their financial information on the FAFSA.

However, Clark University recognizes that you may face challenging family circumstances and need to request reconsideration of your dependency status. Students who are unable to complete the FAFSA with parental information can request a dependency override by contacting the Office of Financial Assistance. A dependency override occurs when the financial aid counselor exercises professional judgement.

The Office of Financial Assistance reviews each request for a dependency override on a case-by-case basis. Requests are typically reviewed within ten business days.  You will be notified by email to your Clark University address with the outcome.

The following are examples of unusual circumstances that may be considered for a dependency override:

• Human Trafficking, as defined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
• Legally granted refugee or asylum status
• An abusive family environment
• Abandonment and/or estrangement by parents
• Incarceration or institutionalization of both parents
• Parents cannot be located

We are unable to take into consideration the following reasons for a dependency override:

• Parents’ refusal to contribute to the student’s education
• Parents’ refusal to provide information on the FAFSA or verification documents
• Parents’ refusal to provide income documentation
• Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
• Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency

Requests for a dependency override must be in writing and provide details of your unusual circumstances; focus on the relationship between you and your parents. Requests must include letters or other supporting documentation from at least two third parties, such as school counselors, clergy or family physicians.  Other documentation that may support an appeal for a dependency override may include court orders, restraining orders or other legal judgments.  Additional information may be requested.