Special Circumstances
The Federal Laws governining financial aid allow the Office of Financial Aid to recalcuate a student's financial need in cases of special circumstances not taken into consideration by the FAFSA. If you believe that you have special circumstances that should be taken into consideration by Lawrence, you MUST complete the
2008-09 Special Circumstances Form and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid with
ALL required documenation. Special Circumstances Forms will not be reviewed until all required documenation has been received.The Higher Education Act outlines 8 examples of special circumstances:
- Tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school
- High medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
- Unusually high child care costs
- Recent unemployment of a family member
- Parent(s) enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree program
- Proceeds of a sale of a farm or business assets if the sale resulted from a voluntary or involuntary foreclosure, forfeiture, or bankruptcy or involuntary liquidation
- Additional costs incurred as a result of a student's disability
- Other changes in a family's income, a family's assets, or a student's status
This list, however, is neither inclusive nor exclusive. Other common special circumstances include:
- One-time capital gains
- Change in income due to recent retirement
- Loss of untaxed income such as child support or social security benefits
- Reduction in income due to fewer hours worked
- Recent separation or divorce of parents
- Death of a parent
- Elderly care expenses
2008-09 Special Circumstances Form
