Changes in Financial Circumstances

After reading the following information, if you have a special circumstance that can be considered, submit an explanation to our office in writing. The explanation can be mailed, faxed (319-335-3060) or e-mailed (financial-aid@uiowa.edu) to our office. Be sure to include the student's name and UI ID number.

If we have received your 2019-2020 FAFSA results, we will evaluate your eligibility for aid and will inform you if additional information is needed regarding your special circumstance. Our ability to provide additional assistance will be determined by when you inform us of the change, how much impact the change has in the financial need, and whether funds are available at the time you provide the information.

The following are situations that we will consider for any student:

The following are situations that we will consider for dependent students (must report parental information on the FAFSA):

The following are situations that we will consider for independent students (not required to report parental information on the FAFSA):

The following are situations that we will consider for any student:

  • Computer Purchase--The policy allows for one computer purchase as an undergraduate and/or one computer purchase as a graduate or professional student. For an increase in the cost of attendance for the 2019-2020 academic year, the computer must be purchased after June 1, 2019. Complete the  after you have purchased your computer.
  • Additional Supplies for Required Coursework--A standard expense amount for books and supplies has already been included in the cost of attendance. Additional supplies will be considered if the total exceeds the standard amount. Submit proof of paid expenses and a signed statement from the professor indicating the expenses are required.
  • Transportation Adjustment--A standard expense amount for transportation has already been included in the cost of attendance. If a student is commuting to campus and lives more than 30 miles from Iowa City, an additional amount for transportation will be considered if the total exceeds the standard amount. Students who have commuting expenses for internships or practicums may also request an increase. Complete the form after you have registered for classes.

The following are situations that we will consider for dependent students (must report parental information on the FAFSA):

  • Parent Loss of Income--A parent who earned income in 2017 and lost employment for at least twelve weeks in 2017.  Parents who are self-employed may request a reevaluation of their expected parental contribution; however, they must wait until they have filed their 2019 federal income tax return. Explain the change(s) in income and the date(s) the change(s) occurred. During the review process, you may be asked for further information.
  • Dislocated Worker--If a parent indicated "yes" to the dislocated worker question on the FAFSA, provide documentation from their employer verifying the job termination.
  • Dependent Student Loss of Income--A dependent student who earned income in 2017 and lost that employment. Explain the change(s) in income and the date(s) the change(s) occurred. During the review process, you may be asked for further information.
  • Loss of Untaxed Income or Benefits--A parent received worker's compensation, unemployment compensation, retirement benefits, and/or court-ordered child support in 2017 but has completely and permanently lost that income or benefit. Indicate the type and amount of benefits and the date the benefits will cease.
  • Parent Divorce or Separation--A parent has separated or divorced after the student has filed the 2019-2020 FAFSA and parent reported marital status as married on the FAFSA. Provide the date of the separation/divorce and include both parents' 2017 W-2 forms to document income of the custodial parent and provide residing address for both parents.
  • Death of a Parent--A parent whose income was used on the 2019-2020 FAFSA has died. Provide the date of death and include both parents' 2017 W-2 forms.
  • Childcare Expenses--A parent has unreimbursed childcare expenses in 2017 and those expenses will continue in 2019. Complete the PDF icon Request for Parent Childcare Adjustment form.
  • Health Insurance for Student--If the student is not covered by the parent's health insurance plan and the student has to purchase his/her own health insurance, provide documentation of student's health insurance plan and payments.

 

The following are situations that we will consider for independent students (not required to report parental information on the FAFSA):

  • Loss of Income--Student or spouse who earned income in 2017 and has lost employment for at least twelve weeks in 2019.  Explain the change(s) in income and the date(s) the change(s) occurred. During the review process, you may be asked for further information.
  • Dislocated Worker--If a student or spouse indicated "yes" to the dislocated worker question on the FAFSA, provide documentation from their employer verifying the job termination.
  • Loss of Untaxed Income or Benefits--A student or spouse received worker's compensation, unemployment compensation, retirement benefits, and/or court-ordered child support in 2017 but has completely and permanently lost that income or benefit. Indicate the type and amount of benefits and the date the benefits will cease.
  • Divorce or Separation--A student has separated or divorced after the student filed the 2019-2020 FAFSA and the FAFSA was filed using married as marital status. List the date of separation and residing address of spouse.  Include 2017 W-2 forms for both the student and spouse.
  • Death of a Spouse--The student's spouse whose income was used on the 2019-2020 FAFSA has died. State the date of death and include 2017 W-2 forms for both the student and spouse.
  • Health Insurance Premiums--Must be done after the Fall 2019 semester begins. Contact our office once the charges appear on your U-bill.
  • Childcare Expenses--A student will be paying for childcare during the 2019-2020 academic year. Complete the PDF icon Request for Childcare Expense Adjustment form.