Special Circumstance and American Rescue Plan Act

Students and their families may have experienced unforeseen circumstances and/or expenses during the past academic year due to Covid-19 or other circumstances beyond their control. Students with documented ‘Special Circumstances’ that negatively affects you/your family’s financial situation could be eligible for an adjustment to the original data provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and your financial aid eligibility.

For example, because of COVID-19 some employers have shut down, reduced work hours, or furloughed employees. Some students or parents may not have been able to work due to illness. Your campus Financial Aid Office will be able to review your special circumstances and possibly adjust the amount of financial aid you receive or would have received.

If your family has experienced a change in income due to unusual or extenuating circumstances, the OCC Financial Aid Office can use professional judgement, and U.S. Department of Education guided flexibility, to re-evaluate your situation for the following reasons:

  • Loss of job or permanent/indefinite reduction of work hours
  • Separation or divorce
  • Personal bankruptcy that occurs during the current financial aid year
  • Death of a parent for spouse whose income was included on the FAFSA
  • Reduction/loss of child support
  • High non-reimbursed medical expenses
  • Parents took money out of their pension/retirement plan as a one-time payment to help cover expenses
  • Other documented special circumstances outside of the student’s control

**Supporting documentation is required for all special circumstance requests. All tax documentation must be signed**

Complete the Financial Aid Special Circumstance Appeal Form

Please note: Federal financial aid appeal decisions (Special Circumstances) are rendered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the campus, based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education. All decisions are final. Every effort will be made by OCC to assist students in need. Once a student submits their Special Circumstance Application and supporting documentation, they will be informed of a decision within 7 to 10 business days.