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Let’s walk through exactly how it works, what to expect, and how to set yourself up for success.
Life can change in a heartbeat — and sometimes, your family’s financial situation takes a turn that you didn’t see coming. Maybe a parent lost a job, had a sudden medical emergency, or your family’s income just isn’t what it used to be. It’s one of those stressful realities that can leave you wondering: “What happens to my financial aid now?”
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The truth is, the FAFSA isn’t a one-and-done form that locks you in forever. If your financial situation changes, you can absolutely ask for your aid to be re-evaluated — and you should. The process is called a Professional Judgment (sometimes referred to as a “Special Circumstances Review”), and it gives your college’s financial aid office the power to adjust your information and potentially award you more aid.
Let’s walk through exactly how it works, what to expect, and how to set yourself up for success.
When you file your FAFSA, it uses your family’s income and tax information from two years ago — known as the prior-prior year. So, for example, if you’re applying for aid for the 2026–2027 school year, the FAFSA looks at income from 2024. That system is meant to make the process easier since tax information from two years ago is already filed and verified. But as you can imagine, a lot can change in two years — layoffs, illnesses, divorces, or even the birth of a new sibling can drastically shift your family’s finances.
The good news? The FAFSA is flexible enough to account for those changes — if you speak up and request a review.
You can’t directly go back and edit the income numbers on your FAFSA once it’s been submitted, but you can ask your school’s financial aid office to take another look at your case. Here’s how to do that the right way:
Colleges will need proof before adjusting your aid. Gather all the relevant paperwork that shows the shift in your financial situation. That might include:
Having organized documentation helps the financial aid office process your appeal faster — and makes it easier for them to advocate on your behalf.
Every school handles Professional Judgments a little differently, so reach out to your financial aid office as soon as possible. You can usually call, email, or visit in person.
“Hi, I’ve already submitted my FAFSA, but my family’s financial situation has changed significantly since then. Could I speak to someone about a Professional Judgment or Special Circumstances Review?”
They’ll guide you through their process and tell you what forms or additional documents they need.
In addition to your documents, you’ll often need to submit a letter explaining your situation. Keep it clear and respectful — you don’t need to overshare, but make sure they understand what happened and how it affects your ability to pay for college.
“My father was laid off in August, and our household income has decreased significantly. We’re now relying on one income to support our family of four. I’m requesting a review of my financial aid package to reflect this change.”
It’s that simple — honesty and clarity go a long way.
The review process can take a few weeks, especially if the office is busy or needs to verify your information. Stay polite, follow up if needed, and check your student portal regularly for updates.
You might qualify for an aid adjustment if:
Even if you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, it’s always worth asking. Financial aid administrators are there to help — and they understand that life doesn’t always go according to plan.
Here’s the best part: a successful review can lead to thousands of dollars in additional aid. When your financial situation is updated, your Student Aid Index (SAI) — the number used to calculate how much your family can contribute — may decrease.
It’s one of the most impactful steps you can take to make college more affordable — especially if you’re trying to avoid taking on extra debt.
We know this process can feel intimidating. Between gathering documents, writing letters, and understanding all the financial aid terms, it’s a lot to handle. That’s why our College Funding Pros are here to help you every step of the way.
We’ll help you create a personalized roadmap so you’re not just reacting to financial changes — you’re prepared for them.
🎓 Join Office Hours today and take control of your financial future. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and you don’t have to miss out on aid that could make your college experience more affordable and less stressful.
Not for changes to income or family situation — those must go through your school’s financial aid office. However, you can log in to make basic corrections, like fixing typos or updating contact info.
If your request is denied, you can ask for an explanation or provide additional documentation. In some cases, the denial might just mean they need more proof.
It depends on your school, but most reviews take anywhere from 2–6 weeks. The earlier you start, the better.
Typically, no — scholarships are based on merit, not financial need. Your appeal only affects need-based aid.
Always ask! The financial aid office can tell you if your situation meets the criteria. Even if it doesn’t, they may point you toward other forms of assistance.
College is already a big investment, and unexpected changes can make it even more stressful. But the FAFSA system was built with flexibility for a reason — to make sure that students like you don’t lose out on financial help because of circumstances beyond your control.
If your family’s financial picture has changed, don’t wait or assume nothing can be done. Reach out, ask for a review, and explore your options. You might be surprised by how much it helps.
And remember, our team at College Funding Hero is here to help you every step of the way — from understanding your Student Aid Index to creating a funding plan that works for all four years of college.
At College Funding Hero, we help students not just survive college, but thrive academically and financially. From tutoring guidance to scholarship opportunities, we give you the tools to regain control of your semester.
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