Responding to Changing Circumstances and Unusual Expenses

Financial aid applications for the 2010-11 year require families to report 2009 income information. Because of changing circumstances, this information may no longer reflect a family’s current resources or ability to support a student in college. In cases where this change is both involuntary in nature and substantial in impact, Lewis & Clark may be able to consider more current information or to take into consideration unusual expenses a family may face. Please note that documentation may not be submitted by e-mail.

Involuntary Job Loss

If you meet these conditions…

• A parent who was employed in 2009 is involuntarily no longer employed in 2010 AND
• Parent total income for 2010 is expected to decrease by at least 10%

Please submit this information…

• 2009 federal tax return & W-2s
• Estimated 2010 Income Worksheet
• 2010-11 Dependent Verification Worksheet
• Signed letter from the parent describing the situation including specific dates
• Third-party documentation of unemployment such as a letter from the former employer or state unemployment office

Loss of Benefit or Income

If you meet these conditions...

• A parent who received non-wage income such as alimony, child support, or Social Security payments in 2009 will no longer receive that income AND
• Parent total income for 2010 is expected to decrease by at least 10%

Please submit this information...

• 2009 federal tax return & W-2s
• Estimated 2010 Income Worksheet
• 2010-11 Dependent Verification Worksheet
• Signed letter from the parent describing the loss of income or benefit

Unusual Expenses

If you meet these conditions...

• A family has unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 10% of total income OR
• Incurs other unusual expenses which are not discretionary in nature and exceed 10% of total income

Please submit this information...

• 2009 federal tax return & W-2s
• 2010-11 Dependent Verification Worksheet
• Summary of the expenses incurred in 2009

If these expenses will increase substantially for 2010, please also provide...

• Estimated 2010 Income Worksheet
• Summary of expenses the family expects to incur in 2010

What We Cannot Consider

• Private elementary or secondary school tuition unless required because of disabilities or medical condition
• Potential reductions in income due to lost overtime or fluctuating commissions
• Consumer debt expenses such as credit-card or car payments
• Refusal of a parent to provide financial support