Request for Special Circumstance (Income) Review
A Special Circumstance (Income) Review allows the Financial Aid Office to review your FAFSA if your family's financial situation has changed significantly since you filed your application.
The 2026–2027 FAFSA (used for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027) is based on income information from the 2024 tax year. If your income or financial circumstances have changed since then, you may be eligible to request a review.
If approved, we will recalculate your Student Aid Index (SAI) using your updated financial information.
Before You Submit Your Request
Before You Submit Your Request
Please keep the following in mind before requesting a review:
- Approval of a Special Circumstance Review does not guarantee additional financial aid. Financial aid eligibility will be determined after your review is complete based on federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Reviews are completed on an individual basis using federal regulations and institutional policies.
- Incomplete forms or missing documentation will delay the review process.
- You will receive updates and the final decision through your official student email account.
Examples of Supporting Documentation
Supporting documentation is required. Depending on your circumstances, you must submit the appropriate documentation listed below. Requests submitted without sufficient documentation cannot be reviewed.
- A signed, detailed explanation describing the circumstances that caused your income reduction or financial hardship. Include specific dates (month/year), your current financial situation, and any benefits or assistance you are receiving. If your work hours were reduced, include the number of hours you currently work each week.
- If you currently have no income, explain how your living expenses are being paid, including any financial support you receive from others.
- A signed copy of your 2025 Federal Tax Return (Form 1040 and all applicable schedules).
- 2025 W-2 forms and/or Schedule C if self-employed.*
- If reporting a reduction in income, copies of the two most recent pay stubs showing year-to-date earnings from all employers in 2026 (and 2027 if submitting after January 1, 2027).*
- A signed letter from your previous employer (on company letterhead) showing your employment start and end dates.
- If reporting a job loss, documentation showing approval or denial of unemployment benefits from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). If you are not receiving benefits, explain why.
- Documentation supporting the loss or reduction of income or benefits.
- Documentation of tuition payments for elementary, middle, or high school.**
- If reporting a marital status change, court documentation showing the date of separation or divorce.
- This circumstance can only be considered if it results in a change to your FAFSA dependency status.
- If reporting the death of a spouse or parent, provide a copy of the death certificate.
- If reporting medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance, provide a signed summary of the expenses along with receipts showing payments that were not reimbursed by insurance.**
* If married, include your spouse's information. Dependent students must include parent information.
** Documentation should correspond to the income year reported on the FAFSA.
Tip: Submitting clear, complete documentation will help prevent delays in processing your request.
Please note: Additional documentation may be requested based on your individual circumstances.
What Happens After I Submit?
What Happens After I Submit?
After you submit your request and all required supporting documentation, the Financial Aid Office will review your information.
- Your request will be reviewed individually based on federal regulations and institutional policies.
- If additional documentation is needed, we will contact you through your official student email account.
- Once the review is complete, you will receive notification of the decision through your official student email.
- If approved, your financial aid eligibility will be reevaluated using the updated financial information you provided.
- Approval of a Special Circumstance Review does not guarantee additional financial aid. Financial aid eligibility will be determined after your review is complete based on federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Submission Deadline
Submission Deadline
Submit your completed form and all required supporting documentation at least three (3) weeks before the last day of your classes for the applicable academic year.
- Note: If your classes end earlier than the standard semester end date, your submission deadline may also be earlier.
Every Special Circumstance (Income) Review is evaluated individually based on the documentation you provide and applicable federal regulations. If your financial circumstances have changed since filing your FAFSA, we encourage you to submit your request as soon as possible.