🔄What to Do If Your Financial Situation Changes Mid-Year

Life happens—jobs change, family dynamics change, and family income can shift quickly. If your financial situation changes while your child is applying to college, you’re not stuck with your original aid offer. What you may not know is that many schools allow you to appeal for more aid through a special circumstances review. Here’s how:

1: Contact the Financial Aid Office

Reach out as soon as possible to explain what’s changed. Ask about the school’s “special circumstances” process. Each college has its own form and guidelines, usually listed on its financial aid website.

2: Gather Documentation

You’ll need to show proof of the change—such as:

• Job loss or income reduction (termination letter, pay stubs)
• Divorce or separation
• Death in the family

Whatever your situation is, complete documentation helps your school reassess your eligibility faster.

3: Submit the Appeal

Most colleges will ask for:

1. A completed appeal form
2. Supporting financial documents
3. A short letter explaining your situation

Just be concise and respectful. It’s most important to describe what happened, when it occurred, and how it affects your ability to pay.

Have questions on how to appeal your financial aid offer based on a change in financial circumstances? CLICK HERE to book a time to chat.

All the best,

Andrew Holmes, Certified College Planning Specialist™

Andrew@PlanWithFPS.com

617-630-4978

 Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) is a Registered Investment Advisor. Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) provides this blog for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this blog should be considered investment, tax, or legal advice. FPS only renders personalized advice to each client. Information herein includes opinions and source information that is believed to be reliable. However, such information may not be independently verified by FPS. Please see important disclosures link at the bottom of this page.