Aid Appeals

Families facing severe financial problems due to job loss, medical expenses, foreclosure, or business declines should contact the Office of Financial Aid for a review of their aid eligibility. If you have experienced a significant and prolonged loss of family income, you may be eligible for additional aid for the current academic year. We can work with your family to find the best mix of resources to keep you enrolled.

Circumstances that will be considered include:

• Loss of income because of recent unemployment (unemployment must last for at least 10 weeks to warrant a reconsideration of a students aid eligibility).
• Loss of income due to a change in health or a change in parents' marital status.
• High unreimbursed medical and/or dental expenses.
• Business loss (because of bankruptcy, foreclosure, or natural disaster).
• High Cost of Attendance because of higher-than-usual book or supply expenses or child care costs (this can only be adjusted if the student is (1) single and provides at least 51% of the child's support; (2) married, with a spouse/partner who is employed at least 20 hours per week; or (3) married, with a spouse/partner who is also a student).

For many, the best available option for the current year may be a federal loan. Federally funded programs such as the PLUS Loan offer favorable terms, including good rates and the option to defer payments until six months after student graduation. Students whose parents are denied a PLUS Loan are eligible for additional unsubsidized Direct Loan funds.

Unusual circumstances sometimes prevent a student from contacting their parent(s). This could be due to no contact information for the parent(s) or a risk of harm to the student in contacting them. A student experiencing this type of unusual circumstance may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and receive "provisional independence." If provisional independence is granted, an estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) will be calculated, but the student must work with the Office of Financial Aid to provide more information about their circumstances. To appeal for financial aid independence based on unusual circumstances, review the Student Status Documentation for details. The Office of Financial Aid makes every attempt to respond to these appeals within three weeks of receiving the completed request.

Evaluation of financial aid applications, re-evaluation of an aid package, or an appeal of a financial aid decision, are handled through a review process using professional judgment by financial aid professionals in the U-M Office of Financial Aid. Any request to the office is considered using best professional practices and making such a request does not guarantee approval. Financial aid regulations are subject to change through legislation or policy changes by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Office of Financial Aid makes every effort to respond to appeals within three weeks of receiving the completed request.

All requests for re-evaluation must be received by published deadlines on the form(s). The U-M Office of Financial Aid cannot guarantee that requests received after this point will be funded. The Office of Financial Aid cannot, under any circumstances, process a request received after the end of the enrollment period. If you have questions regarding this restriction, please contact our office.

If you have a concern regarding a financial aid policy or decision, or you have a special circumstance for us to consider, you may follow the appeal procedures below:

1. Present your situation to a financial aid officer. All options for resolving the situation should be explored with the officer before moving to the next step. If the situation cannot be resolved, the officer will determine the course to take in Step 2.
2. Your situation will be presented by the officer to the Office of Financial Aid’s Special Circumstances Review Committee. This occurs when unusual circumstances are presented that may require exceptions to standard financial aid policies or procedures.
3. If, after completing step 2, you feel the situation warrants further consideration, you may ask for a review and consultation by a financial aid director. This occurs when circumstances do not exist warranting an exception but financial aid policy is questioned, or when a student is not satisfied with a policy or decision determined by the appeal committee.
4. If all previous steps are taken and the situation still requires further consideration, you may ask for a review and consultation with the office's executive director of financial aid and assistant vice provost for enrollment management.