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Special and Unusual Circumstances

The Financial Aid Office recognizes that each student’s situation is unique. We have the authority to make certain adjustments to your financial aid eligibility when documented circumstances warrant it. These adjustments fall into two categories: special circumstances and unusual circumstances (dependency overrides), as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Special Circumstances

Special circumstances refer to financial changes not reflected on your FAFSA that may affect your ability to pay for college. These include:

  • Loss or reduction of income (yours or your parents’)

  • Divorce or separation

  • Death of a parent or spouse

  • High unreimbursed medical expenses

  • One-time income (e.g., withdrawal from a retirement account)

  • Tuition expenses for a sibling in private K–12 education

If you have experienced a significant change in your financial situation, you may initiate a Professional Judgment (PJ) review by meeting with a financial aid counselor at Student Central. If approved, the Financial Aid Office may update certain FAFSA data elements to reflect your current financial circumstances. All requests must be supported by documentation and are subject to federal regulations.

Unusual Circumstances (Dependency Overrides)

Unusual circumstances refer to situations where a student cannot provide parental information due to an unsafe, estranged, or uncontactable relationship. Examples include:

Examples of unusual circumstances include, but are not limited to:

  • Abandonment or estrangement from both parents

  • Parental abuse or unsafe living conditions

  • Parental incarceration

  • Refugee, asylee, or human trafficking status

  • Parental whereabouts unknown

These situations may qualify a student for a dependency override, which allows them to be considered independent for financial aid purposes. If this applies to you, please review the “Process for Appeal” section below for specific instructions”.

Situations That Do Not Qualify

The following circumstances do not qualify on their own for a Professional Judgement or a dependency override under federal guidelines:

  • Parents refuse to provide information on the FAFSA or during verification

  • Parents refuse to contribute to your education

  • You live on your own or support yourself financially, but are not estranged from your parents

  • Your parents do not claim you on their taxes

  • Credit card debt or standard consumer expenses

  • Desire to be considered independent for financial aid purposes

We understand that many students face challenging circumstances, but federal regulations are specific about when adjustments are permitted.

Process for Appeal

Students who believe they have experienced special or unusual circumstances are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office at 508-588-9100, ext. 1479, or visit Student Central to speak with a financial aid counselor.

  • To request a review based on special circumstances (such as significant income loss or high medical expenses), students should complete the Income Reduction and Special Circumstances Appeal Form.

  • To request a review based on unusual circumstances (such as parental abandonment or other reasons for independent status), students should complete the Dependency Override Request Form.

All appeal forms are available by meeting with a financial aid counselor at Student Central.

After submitting an appeal, students should monitor their Massasoit email for any requests for additional documentation. Incomplete appeals will not be considered.