FAFSA Simplification Changes are Coming!

FAFSA Simplification Changes are Coming!  Click here to learn more!

CARES ACT

HEERF III Appeal

Due to extremely limited funding, demonstrating need with documentation will be required. The need must exceed the budget allocation already assigned to students, and funds for items previously funded will not be considered. Only those appeals with supporting documentation will be reviewed. Some examples of documentation are employment separation letters, medical documentation, pay stubs showing missed hours, and increased transportation expenses due to program changes. The appeal deadline is June 25, 2022

 

HEERF III SUMMER APPEAL

SNAP Benefits

Students may now be eligible for SNAP benefits. Students | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)

“Under SNAP regular rules, only students who actually participate in state or federally funded work-study are eligible. The new, temporary exemption, expands SNAP eligibility to students who are eligible to participate in work-study during the regular school year, without the requirement that they actually participate… Also, all students receiving the maximum Pell Grant have an EFC of $0. In the 2020-21 award year, the maximum Pell Grants are $3,172 per semester for students enrolled full-time, $2,379 per semester for students enrolled three-quarter-time, and $1,586 per semester for students enrolled half-time. Verification of the Pell Grant amount may be found on the financial aid award letter and may be used as verification that a student has an EFC of $0.”

Please follow the instructions located in the link above for instructions and additional information.

Adjustment of Expected Family Contribution

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is derived by a mandated Federal Congress formula used to measure a family’s financial strength and ability to fund educational expenses and it is determined by the information that the student and parents report on the FAFSA. Schools are required to use the standard EFC to calculate students’ eligibility for financial aid. If you feel that your family has special circumstances that may affect the amount you and your parents are expected to contribute toward your education, you may appeal. Special circumstances affecting your EFC that may warrant reconsideration include, but are not limited to:

  • A recent change in the household due to separation, divorce, or death
  • Student, spouse, or parent recently became unemployed
  • Reduction or complete loss of untaxed income such as social security benefits, child support
  • Complete loss of unemployment compensation

To appeal for any of the circumstances listed above, you must complete an Appeal for Reduction in Income. The 2021-22 Appeal for Reduction in Income Form is for consideration of an adjustment to the 2021-22 EFC. You may also find the link to the Appeal for Reduction in Income Form by visiting www.marshall.edu/sfa and clicking on the Forms & Applications tab.

Other circumstances may also include:

  • Extraordinary or excessive medical or dental expenses that exceed 11% of AGI
  • Parents of a dependent student enrolled in college
  • Unusually high child or dependent care costs

For the circumstances listed above, you will need to submit a letter to the Office of Student Financial Assistance detailing the circumstances and the costs and attach supporting documentation.