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Request a Financial Aid Adjustment

If your financial situation has changed, you may be eligible for a federal aid adjustment through a process called professional judgment.

Your FAFSA may not reflect recent hardships—such as job loss, family changes or other unexpected events. UB’s Financial Aid Office can review your situation and potentially adjust your aid based on updated information.

What Is Professional Judgment?

Professional judgment allows financial aid administrators to re-evaluate your FAFSA based on documented changes in your circumstances. There are two types:

Special Circumstances

These relate to financial changes that may affect your aid eligibility. Examples include:

  • Loss of employment or income
  • Divorce or separation
  • Death of a parent or spouse
  • Loss of untaxed income (e.g., child support, Social Security)
  • High medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance
  • One-time income used for a major life event

Unusual Circumstances

These relate to personal or family situations that may affect your dependency status. Examples include:

  • Leaving home due to abuse or unsafe conditions
  • Being abandoned or estranged from parents
  • Refugee or asylee status with no parental contact
  • Victim of human trafficking
  • Incarceration (student or parent)
  • Homelessness or unstable housing

If you indicate unusual circumstances on your FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office to begin the review process.

Important Notes

  • You may have both special and unusual circumstances.
  • Documentation is required for all requests.
  • If your Student Aid Index (SAI) is already $0, or you’re a graduate student, a professional judgment review may not change your aid but other options may be available.

What You Need to Do

If you believe you qualify:

  • Speak with a Financial Aid Advisor. 
  • Prepare documentation of your situation.
  • Submit your request early to avoid delays.