ARP: Financial Aid Adjustments Review Process

The Federal Government established the American Rescue Plan (ARP)/HEERF III to continue support for institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ARP included a requirement for institutions to conduct direct outreach to eligible financial aid applicants about the opportunity to receive a financial aid adjustment by requesting a professional judgment (PJ) review due a recent loss of income or special circumstance.

On a case-by-case basis, Buffalo State has the authority to adjust income information submitted on the FAFSA.

Adjustments may be made in cases where the parent(s) of a dependent student or an independent student (or his/her spouse) experience:
- a reduction in income (e.g., loss of a job; reduction in work hours; etc.).
- an eligible special circumstance that affects a family's ability to pay for college (see eligible reasons below).
Adjustments for a dependent student’s change in income may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

A student must provide all requested documentation and any additional documentation to support the loss of income or special circumstance application. Only one financial aid adjustment request is permitted for each academic year.

Loss of Income

Job termination
Retirement
Work hour reduction
Permanent disability
Job change

Application Process

To apply for a financial aid adjustment, a student must submit a fully completed 2021-2022 Loss of Income form to the Financial Aid Office at finaid@buffalostate.edu, via fax at (716) 878-4903 or in-person at Moot Hall 230. Please allow 7-10 business days to receive a final determination from the Financial Aid Office.
After the loss of income appeal is approved and processed, the student may submit a HEERF III Discretionary Pool Fall 2021 Application and/or HEERF III Discretionary Pool Spring 2022 Application to apply for additional federal funding.

Note: A student must have incurred tuition liability for the semester in which they apply. A student may apply for both fall 2021 and spring 2022 if they meet the eligibility requirements for each semester.

Special Circumstances

Childcare expenses
Parent in college
Private elementary/high school tuition
Cessation of benefits (e.g., alimony)
A one-time lump sum distribution
Unusually high medical expenses
Separation, divorce, death

Application Process

To apply for a financial aid adjustment, a student must submit a fully completed 2021-2022 S pecial Circumstances form to the Financial Aid Office at finaid@buffalostate.edu, via fax at (716) 878-4903 or in-person at Moot Hall 230. Please allow 7-10 business days to receive a final determination from the Financial Aid Office.
After the special circumstance is approved and processed, the student may submit a HEERF III Fall 2021 Application and/or HEERF III Spring 2022 Application to apply for additional federal funding.

Requirements

A valid 2021-2022 FAFSA must be on file with the Financial Aid Office.
- Students with a 2021-2022 FAFSA with an EFC = 0 are eligible for the maximum federal Pell grant. As a result, a financial aid adjustment will not change the student’s aid package.
- Graduate students are ineligible for federal grants and subsidies. As a result, a financial aid adjustment will not result in any changes to the student’s aid package.
Must be a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen, as demonstrated on the FAFSA.
Must be in a matriculated program eligible for federal financial aid.
To be eligible for a professional judgement (PJ) review, a student must be currently enrolled in the spring 2022 semester.
Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) (academically eligible for federal financial aid).

Other Pertinent Information

Emergency Relief Program

The Emergency Relief Program provides financial assistance to eligible students facing an unforeseen emergency event.

For more information, email deanofstudents@buffalostate.edu, or visit the Dean of Students Office at 311 Campbell Student Union.

Milligan's Food Pantry

Milligan’s Food Pantry aids students experiencing food insecurity and it is available to all currently enrolled students. Learn how to place an online order at Milligan’s Food Pantry.

For more information, email deanofstudents@buffalostate.edu, or visit the Dean of Students Office at 311 Campbell Student Union.

Buffalo State Care Team

The Buffalo State Care Team investigates issues that involve students of concern who may have expressed the potential to harm themselves or others. Students and members of the campus community are encouraged to submit a report about students of concern, which will be sent to The Buffalo State Care Team to investigate as soon as possible within 1 business day.

However, for emergency situations, call the University Police Department at 716-878-6333.