PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT

Professional Judgment is the review of a student’s eligibility for financial aid due to extenuating circumstances that may change the family’s ability to contribute to the student’s educational expenses. Through Professional Judgment, the Financial Aid Office reviews the information submitted and may make appropriate changes to individual items on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) such as adjusted gross income, child support, etc. This authority is granted to financial aid offices through the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, as amended.

Philosophy

The Financial Aid Office’s Professional Judgment policy serves to assist families by reviewing their special circumstances. To make appropriate adjustments and to be good stewards of our funding, we must have the most accurate information available concerning the family’s financial situation. Therefore, it is necessary to request documentation from the student and other parties as determined by the Financial Aid Office to substantiate any claims of extenuating circumstances.

When Should I Request a Professional Judgement?

When you believe there is a significant change to the family’s income that is being considered towards your financial aid award. Commonly, the reduction in family income is a result of one or more of the following scenarios:

  • An extended period of loss or change in employment and/ or significant change in income
  • Divorce or separation
  • Death of a parent or spouse
  • Reduction in child support
  • Unusual out-of-pocket medical and/or dental expenses that exceed 11% of the Family’s Adjusted Gross Income

A Professional Judgment may also be submitted for consideration for Cost of Attendance increases for unusual expenses incurred for educational purposes. Adjustments in Cost of Attendance are generally limited to the following situations:

  • Costs associated with a student’s disability
  • Child care expenses for a dependent child of a student
  • One-time purchase of a computer for educational expenses
  • One-time costs of professional licensure required for a student’s major

Professional Judgments appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require a letter of explanation and supporting documentation. Professional Judgment forms are available in the Financial Aid Office. The chart below lists the type of supporting documentation needed for various categories of Professional Judgment:

Reason for Professional Judgment Petition

Documents Required
Loss or Change of Employment and/or Income
  • Statement on letterhead indicating last date of employment
  • Copy of the last paycheck including any vacation pay, severance, bonuses, or tips received
  • Documentation of gross income of person whose employment status changed
  • Members of the military must submit a copy of the DD214 and a LES showing taxable and untaxed income
  • Documentation of any type of income being received including: workman’s compensation, payments from 401(k) or 403(b) plans, financial contribution made by individuals outside of the household
Divorce or Separation
  •  Copy of divorce decree
  • Statement from the family law attorney indicating the date of separation or proof of separation
  • Documentation of any alimony or child support being received or paid out
Death of a Parent or Spouse
  • Death certificate of the deceased individual
  • Copy of final paycheck
  • Documentation of any death benefits received
Disability
  • Documentation of disability diagnosis
  • Documentation of costs related to student’s disability ex. Personal assistance, transportation, equipment, or supplies (These costs cannot be provided by other agencies to be considered for a Professional Judgment.)
Reduction in Child Support
  •  Documentation of the total amount of child support expected for each child.
Unusual Medical/Dental Expenses
  • Documentation of paid out- of- pocket medical expenses
  • Copy of Schedule A (tax form)
Elementary/Secondary Tuition Expenses
  • Proof of tuition expenses paid for the current academic year on school letterhead
 Dependent Care Expenses
  •  Proof of dependent care expenses paid for the current academic year on letterhead
 Computer Purchase
  •  Proof of cost of computer required for educational purposes or proof of purchase (This is a one-time adjustment.)
 Professional Licensure
  •  Proof of costs associated with professional licensure or proof of payment (This is a one-time adjustment. Preparatory coursework cannot be included.)

Note: An approved Professional Judgment Appeal may not result in a change to the student’s financial aid award package.

Please submit all documents with your Student Name and telephone number written clearly at the top of each page. Do not submit original documents unless you are told to do so. Make copies of what you submit. To submit Professional Judgement documents, you may bring them to the Financial Aid Office in person, fax them to 352-331-2470, or e-mail them to FinAid@ssag.edu.

The academy’s financial aid deadlines vary based on the program you are interested in attending. Students must have all professional judgement documentation submitted to the financial aid office no later than 2 weeks before the students desired class start date.

Once your documentation has been reviewed by the academy’s financial aid office they will process the professional judgement and determine if you are eligible to start classes in your selected start date. If documents are submitted later than your due date or additional documentation is required by the financial aid office your class start date may be moved to the next available start date.

Your file will not be complete until all requested documents are received and processed by the Financial Aid Office. The professional judgement process may delay the awarding of financial assistance if corrections need to be submitted to the federal processor.

If you have questions, contact the Financial Aid Office by calling (352) 331-2424 Ext. 4 or by email finaid@ssag.edu.