<p>Can I send the report I received to the schools?</p>
<p>I'm also interested in any replies to this question. I am just beginning to fill out the PFS and need to include the fact that my husband is being laid off from his job in 2009. Thus I expect our 2009 income to be MUCH lower than 2008.</p>
<p>They will get the report from SSS.</p>
<p>Yes, you should send any information not contained in the SSS PFS directly to the school. Explain your situation thoroughly and respectfully. </p>
<p>The value of your assets in the market probably tanked like everyone elses. If you filled it out and have lost a significant percentage since then, note it, but be aware that everyone is in the same boat here.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Notnim, my opinion is that you should point out the tuition your relative paid, otherwise the schools will think you paid it. I was in the same situation and pointed it out as clearly as I could - I also pointed out that it would not be paid again in the future. </p>
<p>For everyone, you can always send a letter to the schools with your tax returns explaining your financial position in more detail.</p>
<p>Financial aid folks try incredibly hard to parse through the information to make fair, just decisions. They are aware that the EFC if often unreasonable for a family; many schools do their own calculations based on other factors. Note that SSS this year has announced to schools that they are recalculating the EFC -- basically parents will be granted approximately an additional $5,000 under the new system. While that is great news for families, it means FA budgets in general will be strained. Many schools are cutting back FA anyway because of the endowment losses.
Certainly financial aid officers know and understand that many people have lost significant amounts set aside for education. What they do NOT want to hear is that all the money set aside is for college. Do not expect to hold back college funds and get FA from boarding schools.
To Momrules: definitely put the layoff under notes. There is also a place to put anticipated income for next year and you can show the change based on job loss.<br>
To Emdee - you can definitely send an explanatory letter describing your special circumstances. Send it to the Director of FA at each school.</p>
<p>Note to all - you can always appeal an award once you receive one. Schools have a process to negotiate amounts based on reasonable accommodations on both sides. FA folks are good people. Remember that the EFC is a guideline that creates a level playing field for all and that adjustments are made all along the way.</p>