<p>I lost my job two weeks ago. My family income will be impacted from 2009. My D got in several good private schools now. As I understand FA is based on 2008 tax return (correct?), so my D isn't qualify any FA (>200k). Since 2009 family income will changed significantly, what should I do? Should she need apply FA now and call school to state the situation? Thx.</p>
<p>Because of the daily changing financial profile of families, colleges are bracing for an avalance of appeals. In your case, it would be wise to do a pre-emptive appeal. </p>
<p>Apparently your D has applied EA to a few privates and already recieved acceptances. If you have not yet been required to submit the Profile, wait until the first week of January. Submit the Profile and FAFSA on the same day with best estimates for 2008. </p>
<p>If the Profile has been submitted contact each of those colleges and prepare to send letters. </p>
<p>It is not enough to write a short explanation on the Profile itself (no option on the FAFSA form for such special circumstances). Therefore send a carefully constructed letter explaining your change of circumstances. Send it to each FAO, not "to whom it may concern". </p>
<p>Each letter will need to be customized per college. Copy admissions directors for those colleges that have accepted her already.
Be aware that FAO's have a tough job with specific budgets. Colleges are going through a money crunch too. </p>
<p>The word is appeal, not negotiate and be ready for responses that may not be in your favor. Often the FAO will wait until the second semester the student is enrolled to apply their "Professional Judgement". Thank them for what ever they do, nonetheless. </p>
<p>In fact, many will have trouble paying their faculty as it is a common practice to borrow money to do that. You will see more and more colleges cutting back on amenities and hiring more adjuncts to prevent more drastic measures.</p>
<p>When my D sent out her common application form, our family income is >200K in 2008 and she marked no FA. Now I lost job unexpected. Could she submit Profile and FAFSA? Also FAFSA is best estimats for 2008, how should I state big family income changes in 2009?</p>
<p>For FAFSA you have to file actual income for 2008 (you can estimate it initially but have to update it with actual income once you file your tax returns). There is no way of showing income changes on FAFSA. You have to file with actual income then contact your financial aid department and as for special circumstances adjustment. It is at their discretion whether they grant an adjustment. 2009-2010 FAFSA is not available until Jan 1.</p>
<p>You need to ask the schools whether you can file for financial aid. Some schools may have a policy that you must have said you were going to apply for aid on the admissions application. Some do not. It is essential that you ask the schools what you should do as it will vary from school to school.</p>