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New flexibility for students with unusual circumstances
July 24, 2023
Beginning with the upcoming 2023-24 financial aid award year, colleges and universities have additional flexibility to help students with unusual circumstances in applying for financial aid.
The FAFSA Simplification Act provides guidance for postsecondary institutions to assist students with unusual circumstances. The legislation defines unusual circumstances as those situations in which a student is unable to contact a parent or where contact with parents poses a risk to the student.
Beginning with the 2023-24 award year, institutions may adjust financial aid eligibility for students with unusual circumstances. The adjustment may include changing a student's status from dependent to independent, enabling students who might otherwise be considered dependent to apply for financial aid without providing parental information.