Special Circumstances and Appeals

The U.S. Department of Education allows schools to take into account situations beyond a family’s control that have occurred that may significantly alter the financial picture demonstrated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please review the information below to determine if you have a reason for review.

Examples of special circumstances eligible for review include loss of income reported on the FAFSA due to:

• Loss of employment/income or a change in employment of a parent, independent student, or student’s spouse whose income has been reported on the FAFSA
• One-time only/non-recurring income
• The death of a parent/spouse
• Divorce or separation of parents whose income had been reported on the FAFSA
• Divorce or separation of a student whose spouse’s income had been reported on the FAFSA
• Medical/Dental expenses (paid out of pocket/not covered by insurance)
• Other extenuating circumstances

Examples of circumstances that cannot be considered for an appeal include:

• Consumer debt
• Regular monthly expenses
• Income that is reported annually on your federal tax return
• Tax liability due to recent changes in federal tax law

Please note an appeal does not guarantee a change in your awards.

How Do I Apply for an Appeal?

Please review the Aid Appeal form carefully. If you feel your situation fits one of the circumstances listed, complete the forms provided below, selecting the circumstance which best represents your situation and providing all requested documentation with your appeal. Any appeal request received without the requested documentation will not be reviewed.

As part of the appeal process, it is expected that you explore and utilize all financial aid options, including any federal direct loans you have been offered.

2025-2026 Student Aid Appeal Forms

The 2025-2026 Aid Appeal Process is not yet open. Please check back in April for additional information. (Please note you must have a 2025-2026 College Financing Plan in place in order to submit an aid appeal application.)

2024-2025 Student Aid Appeal Forms

Dependent Students – Please access our Aid Appeal Form. Supporting documentation must be included with your appeal.

Independent Students – Please access our Aid Appeal Form. Supporting documentation must be included with your appeal.

You may submit the above form(s) and any additional documentation to the One-Stop Student Services Center in person, by fax via 516.877.3380 or mail to:

Adelphi University
One-Stop Student Services Center
Levermore Hall, Lower Level
1 South Avenue
P.O. Box 701
Garden City, NY 11530-0701  

Please contact the One-Stop Student Services Center with any additional questions about special circumstances and our appeals process.