What to do if parent just got laid off?

<p>I just got my estimated financial aid report from University of Georgia and my family's EFC was $25,000 and the school's COA is $21,000 so I don't qualify for any financial aid. However my dad just lost his job two weeks ago. My parents are trying to appear optimistic about this because they know I'll worry, but I would really like to examine the options in case of a worst case scenario. I do qualify for the Zell tuition scholarship so I'm left with about $11,000 a year.</p>

<p>If I tell the office of financial aid about this, could they give me more aid? What should I do?</p>

<p>I would think that contacting the FA office right away would be the best thing to do.</p>

<p>I am sorry about this. If you read the posts, you’ll see that you are not alone. It happens all of the time and seems to be occurring regularly. Do let them know, and ask what kind of paper work you should be collecting. Usually, the way it works is that recalc of some kind might be done after a certain period of time of unemployment, and the school will want to see all severance pay, unemployment benefits and whereever else your family has pulled the money to make it through that time. But find out, so you and your parents can accumulate the paperwork. Do ask your parents if they are withdrawing money from a 401K or other qualified plan to make ends meet, and if they are thinking of doing so, or have, ask the school, how that works, and whether you will be penalized for it the next year. Good luck, and I wish you well. I hope he finds something soon.</p>

<p>Sorry to hear about your misfortune and hope your father can find employment soon. I was in the same situation a few years back. The school my D was about to attend made an adjustment to her fin aid package and then asked for a financial update in October. My situation had improved and they made an adjustment to aid back to what it was originally for the next term. Most schools are reluctant to make any large changes for what they view as a temporary condition, although recent years have challenged that thinking in many cases.</p>

<p>Your Fa office will telll you what their policy is. They may wait to see if your dad finds a job within the next few months. They’re not going to want to give aid and then your dad finds a job next month.</p>

<p>Did your dad get paid a severance.</p>