Special Circumstances
The UNF Financial Aid office has the authority, through the Higher Education Act, to change a student's financial aid eligibility due to significant changes in a student's (or their family's) income or family situation.
Financial aid eligibility for the academic year is calculated based on the information you provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Office of Student Financial Aid recognizes that many families have changes in income or family situations that are not reflected in the 2022 tax return data. Therefore, annually, and on a case-by-case basis, it is possible for students to appeal their financial aid eligibility if they have special financial circumstances.
UNF’s Office of Student Financial Aid will review this appeal to determine whether an adjustment is warranted. If approved, your financial aid eligibility will be recalculated, and you will be notified via your UNF email.
Apply for an Appeal for Special Circumstances
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
- Complete the Appeal for Special Circumstances form.
- Provide a signed and dated statement (and parent statement, if dependent) explaining the change in your (or your parent's) financial circumstances from the 2024-2025 FAFSA information.
- Provide official documentation supporting your statement(s) indicating a change in income or family situation. These circumstances include but are not limited to:
- Change in income due to job loss, retirement, or loss of business
- Separation, divorce, or death of parent or spouse
- Unusually high medical expenses paid out of pocket
- One-time, non-recurring increase of income
- Submit all forms and supporting documentation to our office.
- Allow 2-3 weeks for the Appeal for Special Circumstances to be processed.
A Financial Aid representative will contact you regarding any missing information or documentation you will need to provide for your appeal. Please contact FAOutreach@unf.edu with any questions or concerns.