Special Circumstance / Dependency Override Request

The U.S. Department of Education gives Financial Aid Administrators (FAA) the ability to consider a family's special circumstances in determining a student's financial need. A Special Circumstance or Dependency Override Request is used to adjust the income reported on the current year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to a change of circumstances during the calendar or academic year.  Some examples may include, but are not limited to the following:

• loss of employment or benefits or reduction in pay
• deduction of one-time payment
• separation or divorce
• death of spouse or parent
• unusual medical expenses
• refusal of parental support or documentation (students approved for this special circumstance will be awarded an Direct Unsubsidized Loan only)
• abandonment by parent or abuse
• parent(s) incarcerated or whereabouts unknown

**Supporting documentation is required for all requests**

2024-25 Award Year (Summer 24, Fall 24, & Spring 25)

In order to start the conversation with the Office of Financial Aid regarding your request or if you need assistance with writing and explaining your special circumstance, we ask that you visit Swift Student. This website will help you write your letter for FREE and will help you better understand the process.

1.    Click here for the 2024-25 Special Circumstance Form and Instructions  
       Click here for the 2024-25 Dependency Override Form
2.    Submit the completed form(s) and all requested documentation through our Financial Aid Document Upload Portal or you may mail or fax the information to the Office of Financial Aid.
4.    Supporting documentation – Please provide all requested documentation as listed on the special circumstance request form or dependency override form. Requests will not be considered until supporting documentation is provided.