Students with documented ‘Special Circumstances’ that negatively affects you/your family’s financial situation- such as state unemployment receipts- could be eligible for a financial aid adjustment of higher financial aid award. For example, because of COVID-19 some employers have shut down, reduced work hours, furloughed employees and others may not have been able to work due to illness. Your campus financial aid office may be able to review your special circumstances to adjust the amount of financial aid you receive or would have received.
If your family experienced a change in income due to unusual, special circumstances, the campus financial aid office can provide a Professional Judgement review under the U.S. Department of Education guidance to re-evaluate your situation for the following reasons:
- Loss of job or permanent/indefinite reduction of work hours
- Separation or divorce
- Personal bankruptcy that occurs during the current financial aid year
- Death of a member of your immediate family
- Reduction/loss of child support
- High non-reimbursed medical expense.
- Your parents took money out of their pension/retirement plan as a one-time payment to help cover expenses
- Other documented special circumstances outside of the student’s control
If you would like to apply for an American Rescue Plan Special Circumstance, please click on the link below and download the form. Please remember the appropriate documentation as stated on the form to support your Special Circumstance. You are encouraged to contact One Stop at (315) 267-2943 if you prefer to discuss before you submit the form and supporting materials.
Special Circumstance Form (PDF)
You may upload, postal mail, or drop off your completed Special Circumstance form along with all the required documentation to One Stop. Please note, we are unable to securely accept emailed Special Circumstances. You must use the methods listed above.
Budget Adjustment
You may also consider submitting for a budget adjustment.
Examples considered for budget adjustments:
- Additional required educational expenses related to your academic program.
- Unusual transportation expenses over and above what is already covered in your budget.
- Expenses due to a disability or unexpected medical cost.
- Childcare expenses while attending college.
- Other reasonable, educationally-related expenses
However, before contacting One Stop, you must be ready to show documentation to substantiate any changes. This documentation will be required before the financial aid office can consider adjusting the amount of financial aid you receive.
Resources
For a list of helpful resources on campus, including information about our Food Pantry, visit our Bear Care webpage.