Special Circumstances Appeal Information

Special Circumstances Appeal Information

During the academic year, you and your family may experience a change in your financial situation, or you and your family may have unusual circumstances that resulted in a reduction of your or your family's income that is considerably less than what was reported on the FAFSA.

Students and families who experience a loss in income, may qualify for additional federal financial aid assistance. When completing the FAFSA, a student reports income information from two years prior. If you have had a loss in income and previously did not qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, you may be eligible for additional funds based on an income adjustment. Possible circumstances may include unemployment, death of a wage-earner (parent, if dependent; spouse, if independent), divorce or loss of untaxed income (such as child support). A review of your circumstance will require income and substantiating support documentation for the circumstance.  

Each family's situation is unique and is reviewed on a case by case basis.  Submission of an appeal does not guarantee approval. Families should consider alternative payment arrangements while waiting for the outcome of an appeal.

Each student will experience a different hardship so we encourage you to reach out to financial aid and speak to a Financial Aid Administrator so we may determine whether or not you qualify to file an appeal. You can make an in-person or virtual appointment to speak to a Financial Aid Administrator. Schedule an appointment with CCNY Financial Aid Office.

The deadline to submit an appeal for FALL 2024 only is October 14, 2024*

The deadline to submit an appeal for FALL 2024 / Spring 2025 is March 14, 2025*

* All applicants that submits a special circumstance appeal must respond to CCNY Financial Aid Counselors document request in a timely manner.  Lack of response by the applicant to supply requested documentation will cause requested appeals to be denied.  Notification for additional appeal documentation is viewed in Student Forms.