Student Aid Index Appeal

The Student Aid Index Appeal is used when a student or family has experienced significant financial changes that are not reflected on the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.

These appeals are available beginning June 15, 2026, and are expected to take approximately 8-12 weeks for review.

Circumstances That May Be Considered

Loss or Reduction of Income

• Loss or Reduction of Income

• Examples may include:

  • Layoff, termination, or reduction in work hours for a parent, student, or spouse
  • Loss of unemployment compensation or Workers’ Compensation benefits

  Disability of a parent or spouse Death of a parent or spouse

  • Divorce or separation
  • One-time, non-recurring income that was reported on the FAFSA tax year but is no longer available to help pay educational expenses
  • Additional Family Expenses
• Examples may include:
• Tuition expenses for siblings attending elementary school, high school, or college
• Unusual medical, dental, or vision expenses
• Child or dependent care expenses
• Other documented unusual expenses

Documentation

Documentation requirements vary depending on the circumstance being reviewed.

• Examples may include:
  • Termination notices
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Benefit statements
  • Tax documentation
  • Medical bills
  • Divorce or separation documentation
  • Death certificates

Students should provide as much detail and documentation as possible to support their appeal. To reduce processing delays, include specific estimates with dollar figures along with accompanying documentation.