Financial Aid Special Conditions
The American Rescue Plan has allowed special provisions for Federal Aid Administrators to conduct direct outreach to students and financial aid applicants about the opportunity to receive a financial aid adjustment due to the recent unemployment of the student, spouse or family member or a student household that has experienced a major change in finances due to other COVID-related circumstance.
A Special Conditions request allows for a financial aid professional judgment adjustment due to the recent unemployment of a direct family member (mother or father) of a dependent student or the recent unemployment of an independent student (and/or their spouse), or other circumstance related to COVID-19. This refers to a significant change in current 2021 or 2020 income compared to a student’s required 2019 tax data reported on their 2021/2022 FAFSA.
Other circumstances, besides unemployment, that could be considered are:
- Involuntary loss of income due to reduced hours or shutdowns as the result of COVID-19 during 2020 or 2021
- Loss of income effective 2020 or 2021 due to disability
- Significant medical expenses not covered by insurance during 2020 or 2021 as the result of COVID-19
- Death of a parent or spouse
If you feel you may qualify for a Special Conditions Professional Adjustment, please complete the steps below:
- Complete the applicable Special Conditions Request Form
- Upload a SIGNED copy of your and your spouse/parents 2019 Federal Tax Return(s)
- Upload all of your and your spouse/parents 2019 W2 statement(s)
- Upload any additional 3rd party supporting documentation (medical records, termination letter, unemployment approval or denial letter, etc.)
Dependent Student
Independent Student
Please note, to apply for Special Conditions, you must have a 2021–2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. If you have not done so already, please visit Federal Student Aid to file your 2021–2022 FAFSA before submitting the Special Conditions.
The Financial Aid Department understands that many circumstances impact a family’s ability to contribute to a student’s education. Our office will assist you to understand your options and determine if any additional aid may be available based on your circumstances. Please remember that not all special circumstance recalculations will result in additional financial aid and allow up to 6 weeks for the financial aid office to review your request. Please watch your NSCC email for additional information and/or your determination.
If you have an immediate need, please contact our Financial Aid Resource Counselor at 419.267.1333 or by email at FoodPantry@NorthwestState.edu to explore all other resource options available.
Use the flow chart to determine if a Special Conditions Request is right for you.
