2025-2026 Unusual Circumstances Form

2025-2026 Unusual Circumstances Form

Financial Aid Office | 309.341.5283 | finaid@sandburg.edu
Student Name*

First NameLast Name
Student ID#*
Last 4 Digits of Student SSN xxx-xx-*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
example@example.com
Financial aid regulations assume that students and parents have primary responsibility for meeting the educational costs of students. When unusual circumstances exist, the student may request to be considered as an independent student.

Students who indicated on their FAFSA that they have unusual circumstances should submit this form as soon as possible after the application is processed. This form and supporting documentation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis within 30 days from the date it is submitted. Students will be notified via email of the decision.

Please answer the following questions:
Identify the location of both of your parents (if known):*
Describe the last time you had contact with each of your parents - when, where and the nature of the contact:*
Explain what unusual circumstances should make you an independent student:*
Describe how you have been self-supporting:
When did you start meeting your expenses without parental support:*
How have you provided for yourself:*
Upload documentation:*

Cancelof
Documentation may include (but is not limited to) the following:

a. submission of a court order or official federal or state documentation that the student or student’s parents or legal guardians are incarcerated;

b. a documented phone call or written statement, which confirms the unusual circumstances with:

i. a state, county or tribal welfare agency;

ii. an independent living case worker who supports current and former foster youth with the transition to adulthood;

iii. a public or private agency, facility, or program servicing the victims of abuse, neglect, assault, or violence;

c. a documented phone call or written statement from an attorney, guardian ad litem, a court-appointed special advocate (or similar) or a representative of a TRIO or GEAR UP program which confirms the circumstances and the person’s relationship to the student;

d. a documented determination of independence made by a financial aid administrator at another institution in the same or a prior award year;

e. utility bills, health insurance, or other documents that demonstrate a separation from parents or legal guardians.
Student Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
I certify the information provided above is true and complete.
Should be Empty: