Special Circumstance Applications

2023-2024 Special Circumstance Applications

The below listed applications are available for the 2023-2024 academic year (Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024). If you have a special circumstance for the current year that was completed with a PDF, you can return forms in person, please check the library hours or with your Regional Campus student services area for hours of availability. You can also return forms in a PDF format by mail. To return by mail:

One Stop for Student Services

Kent State University

P. O. Box 5190

Kent, OH  44242

If you have not completed a Special Circumstance prior, please note that Dynamic forms are completed electronically through a direct link, NOT manually (PDF).

You can check back here to view your pending/draft Dynamic form and to review any of your completed Dynamic forms. Read the instructions carefully on the landing page of the Dynamic form you are completing.  Have the required documentation ready to attach directly to the Dynamic form.

If the form you are completing is a Dynamic form, you DO NOT need to submit via the One Stop for Student Services.  The form will be automatically routed and processed.

 

Definitions of each of the Special Circumstance Applications

  • Parent/Student Divorce or Legal Separation
    • The purpose of completing a Special Circumstance Application for divorce or legal separation is to remove a parent or the student's spouse from the FAFSA. This will result in removing the parent or spouse's income from the EFC calculation. If the parent or spouse that left the household was not included on the FAFSA when it was originally processed, completing the Special Circumstance Application for this event would not be necessary.
  • Death of a Parent or Student Spouse
    • The purpose of completing a Special Circumstance Application for death is to recalculate the EFC without the deceased parent or student spouse's information. If the parent or spouse that has passed away was not included on the FAFSA and their income was excluded from the household, completing the Special Circumstance Application for this event is not necessary. If the death of the sole parent to a dependent student has occurred, please contact the One Stop for Student Services or your Regional Campus Financial Aid Office to discuss further options.
  • Parent in College
    • The purpose of completing a Special Circumstance Application for a parent in college is to update the number of individuals in the household attending college used in the EFC calculation. The parent of a dependent student must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at least half-time to qualify. The parent must be enrolled in courses that are in session between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.  Dependent Only Forms Specific.
  • Loss of Unemployment Benefits
    • The purpose of completing a Special Circumstance for a loss of unemployment benefits is to remove any unemployment benefits that were reported on the FAFSA as received in 2021 but were not received in 2022 or 2023.  This application can also be used to adjust the FAFSA to reflect a loss of income in 2022 and lost or reduction of unemployment benefits in 2023.  The unemployment benefits and/or income reported on the FAFSA will be removed or reduced based on the time when the loss occurred.  This may result in full or partial removal.
  • Loss of Working Income (for 2022 or 2023)
    • The purpose of completing a Special Circumstance for a loss of working income is to adjust the FAFSA to reflect the loss of income. This could be because of the loss or termination from a job, the reduction in working hours, or a reduction in salary or hourly wage. The application cannot be submitted for an anticipated loss.  The loss must have already occurred.  Any loss of income prior to October of 2022 must complete the Loss of Working Income for 2022.
    • For a Loss of Working Income for 2023, the date of loss must have occurred in October of 2022 or later.  Any date prior to October 2022 is required to complete the Loss of Income for 2022.
      • Please Note: Students whose application shows a Loss of Income close to the Loss of Working Income of 2023 date of October 2022 are subject to review on a case-by-case scenario and may require the student to complete the Loss of Working Income for 2023 Application to be submitted in place of their submitted Loss of Working Income for 2022 Application as it may be more beneficial for the student to complete. 
    • Note: If the loss of income was a result of a divorce or death of a parent or spouse, you must complete either the divorce/legal separation or death application. If the income loss was a result of the loss of unemployment or other benefits, please complete the loss of benefits application. This will ensure that the proper documentation is provided.
  • Loss Of Benefits (Ex: Child Support, Alimony, Social Security/Disability, Workers' Compensation)
    • The purpose of completing a Special Circumstance Application for loss of benefits is to remove any benefit(s) that were reported on the FAFSA as received in 2021 but were not received in 2022 or 2023. The benefit(s) reported on the FAFSA will be removed based on the time when the loss occurred. This may result in full or partial removal.
  • Medical or Dental Expenses
    • The purpose of completing a Special Circumstance Application for medical or dental expenses is to remove income used toward medical and/or dental expenses that is not available to use towards college expenses. Only medical or dental expenses that were reported on Schedule A of the IRS Federal Income Tax Return during either the 2021 or the 2022 tax year are eligible for review.

 

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE DYNAMIC FORMS

The Dynamic Forms for Dependent and Independent Students allows you to select each application from a drop-down menu on the Dynamic form.  Please select the correct application that best describes your scenario and criteria when applying for a Special Circumstance.

2023-2024 Dependent Special Circumstance Application (Dynamic Form)

2023-2024 Independent Special Circumstance Application (Dynamic Form)