<p>For each academic year, the FAFSA submission window stays open 18 months (for example from January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014) in case a student’s personal financial or academic circumstances change. I recommend that you update your FAFSA and answer the so-called ‘dislocated worker’ question, which addresses whether a member of your family had their job eliminated. That allows US ED to recalculate (reduce) your estimated family contribution, which is the basis of any financial aid award provided by a college. Then go talk to your college’s financial aid director about the change in your family’s financial circumstances. A college won’t release additional aid without an updated FAFSA.</p>
<p>To be classified as a dislocated worker, one must meet one of the following conditions:
Their job has been eliminated.
They have received a lay-off notice from their employer indicating their job will be eliminated.
They are receiving unemployment benefits due to a job elimination and are unlikely to return to the a previous occupation
They are self-employed but are unemployed due to economic conditions or natural disaster
They are a displaced homemaker. A displaced homemaker is generally a person who previously provided unpaid services to the family, is no longer supported by the husband or wife, in unemployed or underemployed, and is having trouble finding or upgrading employment.</p>
<p>A student may need to submit proof to their college that a parent is a dislocated worker.</p>
<p>If a person quits work, generally they are not considered a dislocated worker even if they are receiving unemployment benefits.</p>