Special Circumstance

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is based on tax data from two years ago, which may not match your current financial situation. Amarillo College can adjust the income of a student, spouse, or parent to affect the Expected Family Contribution. This could help you get more financial aid. Examples of special circumstances that may be considered are:

• Change in employment status, income or assets.
• Change in housing status (ex:  homelessness)
• Medical, dental, or nursing home expenses not covered by insurance
• Child or dependent care expenses
• Severe disability of the student or other member of the student's household.
• Other changes or adjustments that impact the student's costs or ability to pay for college.

If you have a special situation that affects your financial aid eligibility, you can fill out and submit the Special Circumstance Review Form. The Financial Aid office will review your request within ten business days of receipt and will notify you of any updates to award information or other documentation via student email or through the Financial Aid portal on AC Connect.

Download: 2023 24 Special Circumstance Review

DOWNLOAD: 2024 25 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE REVIEW

Unusual Circumstances

Unusual circumstances are situations in which a student's dependency status could be changed. Examples of unusual circumstances are:

• Human trafficking.
• Legally granted refugee or asylum status.
• Parental abandonment or estrangement.
• Student or parental incarceration.

To request a dependency change for the FAFSA, you must fill out and submit the Request for a Dependency Change form and attach three reference letters from people who know about your unusual situation. The Financial Aid office will review your request within ten business days of receipt and will notify you of any updates to award information or other documentation via student email or through the Financial Aid portal on AC Connect.

Download: 2023 24 Request for Dependency Change

DOWNLOAD: 2024 25 REQUEST FOR DEPENDENCY CHANGE