Special Circumstances Guidance

Special circumstances guidance & FAFSA

JCC students with documented “Special Circumstances” that negatively affect their/their family’s financial situation may be eligible for an adjustment to their FAFSA information to receive additional financial aid.

If your family has experienced a change in income due to unusual, special circumstances, including COVID-related loss of income due to layoff/business closures, reduced work hours, furlough or illness, dependent/childcare expenses, the U.S. Department of Education provides the college the authority to review your documented circumstances, and under federal guidelines, may make adjustments to your eligibility for aid.

  • Loss of job or permanent/indefinite reduction of work hours
  • Separation or divorce
  • Death of a parent or spouse
  • Reduction/loss of child support
  • High un-reimbursed medical expenses
  • A one-time receipt of income, such as a pension/retirement account withdrawal
  • Other documented special circumstances outside of the student’s control

If you would like to submit a Special Review Request for Income Adjustment for Federal Student Aid, complete the form and submit it according to instructions with appropriate documentation.

Please note: Federal Financial Aid Special Circumstances requests are determined by the college that you attend, based on guidance provided by the US Department of Education. Jamestown Community College will make every effort to assist students in need.  Requests with accompanying documentation are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with all decisions considered final. Students will be informed of a decision within 10-14 business days.