The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was enacted on March 11, 2021. This plan has allowed special provisions for Federal Financial Aid Administrators to conduct direct outreach to students about the opportunity to receive a financial aid adjustment due to:
- The recent unemployment of a direct family member (mother or father) of a dependent student
- The recent unemployment of an independent student (or spouse)
- A student household that has experienced a major financial change due to another COVID-related circumstance.
This refers to a significant change in current 2021 or 2020 income compared to a student’s required 2019 tax data as reported on their 2021/2022 FAFSA.
Other circumstances, besides unemployment, that could be considered are:
- Involuntary loss of income due to reduced hours or shutdowns as the result of COVID-19 during 2020 or 2021.
- Significant medical expenses not covered by insurance during 2020 or 2021 as a result of COVID-19.
To take advantage of the 2021-2022 COVID Special Circumstance, you must have a 2021-2022 FAFSA on file.
To request a review of your extenuating financial circumstances due to COVID-19, please complete the online form below. The Office of Financial Aid will review your circumstances and determine if you are eligible to file a special circumstance. If you are determined to be eligible, a link to the form will be added to your Financial Aid Self-Service portal for you to complete and upload to our office.
https://apps.wtamu.edu/forms/sfa-covid19.php
NOTE: Do not complete this form unless you or your parents have experienced changes to employment or incurred medical expenses due to COVID-19