Special Circumstance

We understand that there are various circumstances that may impact a student and their family’s financial situation which is not reflected in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are a student with documented ‘Special Circumstances’ that negatively affects you/your family’s financial situation, you could be eligible for an adjustment to the original data provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and your financial aid eligibility.

If your family has experienced a change in income due to unusual or extenuating circumstances, the SUNY Orange Financial Aid Office can use professional judgement, and U.S. Department of Education guided flexibility, to re-evaluate your situation for the following reasons:

• Loss of job or permanent/indefinite reduction of work hours
• Separation or divorce
• Personal bankruptcy that occurs during the current financial aid year
• Death of a member of your immediate family
• Reduction/loss of child support
• High non-reimbursed medical expenses
• Parents took money out of their pension/retirement plan as a one-time payment to help cover expenses
• Other documented special circumstances outside of the student’s control

**Supporting documentation is required for all special circumstance requests.  All tax documentation must be signed**

If you would like to apply for a Special Circumstance, please visit the link below:

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE APPLICATION

Please note:  Federal financial aid appeal decisions (Special Circumstances) are rendered on a case-by-base basis at the discretion of the campus, based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education. All decisions are final. Every effort will be made by SUNY Orange assist students in need. Once a student submits their Special Circumstance Application and supporting documentation, they will be informed of a decision within 7 to 10 business days.

If you have additional questions, please contact us.  Remember to include the Student Name and ID # on all documentation and communications.  Please make sure you have completed a Proxy Authorization and FERPA Record Release.

View the Proxy Video Tutorial for assistance on setting up or logging in as a Proxy.

Click here to complete the FERPA Record Release.

Email:        finaid@sunyorange.edu
Phone:      845-580-4884
Hours:       Monday-Friday  9am to 5pm