Special Circumstances Request for Additional Aid Eligibility
The federal formula that determines a student’s financial aid eligibility is based on the prior-prior year’s income. This is known as the base year. For the 2025-2026 academic year (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026), the base year and the income reported on the FAFSA is 2023.
There are occasions when a family’s financial situation changes during the school year from what it was in the Base Year. Upon request, Student Financial Services will review such changes (known as “special circumstances”) in the hope of providing a more accurate reflection of the family’s financial situation for aid purposes.
Special Circumstance Appeals are accepted throughout the academic year.
There is no designated turnaround time for a response to an appeal. This is because the appeals are so varied by nature. No appeal is final without confirmation from Student Financial Services, and while an appeal is in process all students must proceed with their financial aid award as it currently stands.
Special Rule Regarding Job Loss (Dislocated Worker / Displaced Homemaker)
Family wage earners who stop being employed due to circumstances other than voluntary termination must remain unemployed for a minimum of 6 weeks before filing an appeal based on loss of job.
What Constitutes a “Special Circumstance?”
Not all changes in family income are accepted by Student Financial Services as a “special circumstance.” To qualify, a special circumstance must cause an unexpected or unplanned reduction in the family’s finances. Be the result of circumstances beyond the family’s control.
Examples:
- Employment layoff
- death of a wage earner
A situation is not a special circumstance if it includes:
- Expenses that the family has been paying regularly for several years (such as ongoing medical expenses)
- Expenses that involve lifestyle choices or expected family events (weddings, retirement)
- Elementary or high school tuition for other family members
Dependency Override
A Special Circumstance appeal can also occur when a dependent student has reason to believe that they should be Independent due to family circumstances. Contact us for more information if you believe this circumstance applies to you.
Return all paperwork to:
Chestnut Hill College
Student Financial Services
9601 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: 215-248-7182
Fax: 215-242-7705
Email: finaid@chc.edu