How do I apply?Special Needs:
Professional Judgment & Dependency Override
The federal laws governing financial aid allow the Office of Student Financial aid to recalculate financial need in cases of special circumstances not taken into consideration by the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
There are times when families experience unusual situations or experience severe hardship or have special circumstances that have occurred after completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Montgomery College Office of Student Financial Aid will consider individual situations on a case-by-case basis. Special circumstances include situations beyond the control of the family such as unemployment and significant reduction in income, high/medical/dental bills not covered by insurance, divorce, separation or death of a parent. The Office of Student Financial Aid is not able to consider discretionary circumstances such as high mortgage, car payments or consumer debt.
Professional Judgment (PJ)
Please request an appointment with a Student Financial Aid Specialist/Counselor (240-567-5100). Counselors will help you determine if your situation can be considered and if a potential Special Circumstance is likely to lead to additional aid eligibility.
Be prepared to outline your circumstances including documentation you have collected. The Specialist/Counselor will review your statements and documentation along with your letter explaining your situation and at the third-party documentation confirming this information. The Specialist/Counselor will give you our PJ Appeal Form if the situation warrants. Please bring back our form and all supporting material to the counselor who gave you the PJ form. Incomplete information will not be reviewed.Once the completed special circumstance PJ appeal has been reviewed, you will be notified of the decision and any changes that resulted from your special circumstance. Please note that a recalculation in financial need does not guarantee that additional aid will be awarded. If you have any questions about requesting your special circumstance appeal, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (240-567-5100) to schedule an appointment with a Specialist/Counselor.
Dependency Status Appeal (Dependency Override)
The federal government expects you and your family to bear primary responsibility for financing your education. However, the federal government recognizes exceptions to this rule. Students may appeal based on an extreme situation that may exist. Only extreme or severe situations can be considered. Documentation signed from third party professionals on letterhead such as your Social Worker, Medical Doctor, Clergyman, copies of Court documentation, Police reports, etc. will be needed. Please note that parental unwillingness or inability to contribute cannot be considered.If you feel your situation warrants an appeal, please make an appointment to speak to a Financial Aid Specialist/Counselor to discuss your situation (240-567-5100). The Specialist/Counselor will review your information and documentation along with your letter explaining your situation and the third-party documentation confirming this information. Incomplete documentation will not be reviewed. Once the special circumstance appeal for Dependency override has been reviewed, you will be notified of the college decision.