American Rescue Act Special Circumstance Guidance

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, Hudson Valley Community College has the authority to adjust income information submitted on the FAFSA.

1. 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).
2. 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
• Work hour reduction
• Permanent disability
• Job change

NOTE: Your circumstance must have occurred due to issues beyond your control. Circumstances such as, but not limited to, voluntarily leaving employment or reducing hours to attend college or for any other reason will not be considered for an appeal.

Application Process

If you would like to be considered for a financial aid adjustment, a student must contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-7150.

In order to submit documentation for an appeal you must create an account online in the Campus Logic Student Forms system.

Remember to include the Student Name and ID # on all documentation and communications. Students who wish to be able to access account specific information over the phone, or wish to give access to third parties such as your parents, must complete a FERPA Waiver/Authentication Form.

Special Circumstances

• Cessation of benefits (e.g., alimony)
• A one-time lump sum distribution
• Unusually high medical expenses
• Separation, divorce, death

Application Process

If you would like to be considered for a financial aid adjustment, a student must contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-7150.

In order to submit documentation for an appeal you must create an account online in the Campus Logic Student Forms system.

Remember to include the Student Name and ID # on all documentation and communications. Students who wish to be able to access account specific information over the phone, or wish to give access to third parties such as your parents, must complete a FERPA Waiver/Authentication Form (PDF).

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.
• 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 fall 2021 semester (or will be enrolled during the spring 2022 semester).
• Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) (academically eligible for federal financial aid).

NOTE:

Federal financial aid appeal decisions (Loss of Income and Special Circumstances) are rendered on a case-by-base basis at the discretion of the campus, based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education. All decisions are final. Every effort will be made by Hudson Valley Community College assist students in need. Once a student submits their application and supporting documentation they will be informed of a decision within 7 to 10 business days.

Other Pertinent Information

Viking Cupboard Food Pantry

Current students are welcome to use the Viking Cupboard food pantry Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Viking Cupboard is located in the Student Activities Office (CTR 210) and students must present a current HVCC ID.

Center for Academic Engagement

The Center for Academic Engagement (CAE) provides individualized academic coaching to support and build the skills essential for student success.

Wellness Programs and Services

Counseling and Wellness Services staff are here to assist you in maintaining self-care and wellness to reach your academic and life goals.