<p>After appealing for more aid i'd still have to pay about $12,000 yr for a private university. But now, I found out that my mother would be laid off from work. (which hasn't taken into effect yet but will in August, she's received a letter indicating so). am i able to qualify for more aid in the even this occurs? oh and she works for the city, so does that give me any kind of break? thanks for the input!</p>
<p>In my experience, schools will not consider adjusting aid before a job loss takes place. After all, your mother may be able to find another job before she loses the present one. Also, schools may require a certain time period after job loss for the same reason. D2’s school would not accept a special circumstances appeal until the wage earner had been without a job for 20 weeks.</p>
<p>Since your mom will be laid off in August, she has time to find another job. Since that could happen, a school has no reason to make any changes right now. After all, if she goes right from on job to another with no (or little) income loss, what reason would there be to give more money?</p>
<p>Also, there could be a severance package and that is taken into account by FA office as that is considered income for that year. A friend lost his job but got a few months salary (lump sum) as part of his package and the that was taken into account.</p>
<p>You could appeal after your Mothers job actually gets eliminated for emergency consideration, but there may be a waiting period and consideration of the severance benefits. The fact that she works for the City will have no impact, it is just like any other employer.</p>
<p>From my experience, it makes no difference. My husband had to go on medical disability for the first 4 months of this year and the schools made no adjustments to our financial aid package.</p>
<p>Your financial aid for this year was at least partially based on your family income from 2009. In addition, your mom will have income for a good chuck of 2010. As noted, your mom could very well find a job that will commence very shortly after her current job ends.</p>
<p>Just to be on the safe side…save all of the job termination information. If you do end up filing for a special circumstances consideration, you will need your mom’s termination letter, and the provisions of her termination (things like severance pay or pay for unused sick or vacation days). You will need to have all of your financial information prepared (expenses, etc) so that IF you need to file with your school, you will be prepared. They will want to know everything about your financial situation to make a determination IF they should consider your request. This is done on a case by case basis.</p>