Professional Judgment (PJ): Special and Unusual Circumstances Learn when a Professional Judgment review may be appropriate, the types of circumstances that may qualify, required documentation, important deadlines, and how to submit a request.
Professional Judgment (PJ) is the authority granted to financial aid administrators to make case-by-case adjustments to a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information or Student Aid Index (SAI) when documented exceptional, special, or unusual circumstances are not accurately reflected in the standard FAFSA application. This discretion allows administrators to consider a student's current financial situation, particularly when significant life changes or financial hardships have occurred, resulting in a more accurate assessment of the student's financial need and potential eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Types of Circumstances
Special Circumstances
These relate to the student's or family's financial situation and may include:
Loss of income due to unemployment,
Death or permanent disability of the student, parent, or spouse
Separation or divorce of a parent or spouse
High medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
Unusual dependent care costs
One-time income (e.g., inheritance, lottery) that does not reflect ongoing financial status
Receipt or expiration of unemployment benefits
Birth of a child not previously included on the FAFSA
Natural disasters or other unforeseen events impacting financial stability
Effect: These may lead to an adjustment in the Student Aid Index (SAI), potentially qualifying the student for more aid.
Unusual Circumstances
These concern the student’s dependency status and personal situation, often involving:
Abandonment by parents
Abuse or unsafe home environment
Incarceration of parents
Human trafficking or refugee/asylee status
Parental whereabouts unknown
Effect: These may result in the student being classified as an independent student, which can significantly increase aid eligibility.
Cost of Attendance (COA) Elements Considered During a Professional Judgment Review
When reviewing a student's request for a Cost of Attendance (COA) adjustment through Professional Judgment, the Financial Aid Office may consider documented educational expenses that are not already reflected, or are inadequately reflected, in the student's standard COA. Examples may include:
Computer Purchase – The documented cost of purchasing a computer or required technology necessary for coursework.
Internet Access – Reasonable expenses for internet service required to participate in classes.
Required Books and Supplies – Additional required books, course materials, equipment, or supplies not included in the standard allowance.
Transportation Costs – Documented increases in transportation expenses related to attending school, such as commuting or required travel for academic programs.
Disability-Related Expenses – Expenses related to a student's disability that are necessary for attendance and are not covered by another agency or source.
Dependent Care Expenses – Childcare or dependent care costs incurred while the student attends classes, studies, completes internships, or participates in required educational activities.
Housing and Food Adjustments – Documented increases in housing or meal expenses when warranted by the student's circumstances.
Required Program Expenses – Mandatory licensing fees, certification exams, uniforms, tools, or specialized equipment required for the student's academic program.
Study Abroad Expenses – Approved additional costs associated with participation in an eligible study abroad program.
Important: All Cost of Attendance adjustments are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require adequate documentation. Approval is not guaranteed and must comply with federal regulations and institutional policy. A COA adjustment does not automatically increase a student's financial aid eligibility; it may increase eligibility for certain types of aid, subject to program limits and available funding.
Students can indicate on the FAFSA form that they believe they have unusual circumstances that prevent them from providing parental data. Messaging on the FAFSA form thoroughly informs the student about what warrants a dependency override and what the results will be for their application. If they complete the screening steps and do not include parental data, they will receive a provisional status as an independent student and a provisional SAI calculation. The record will be rejected, pending further action from the FAA. The FAA will have to review the student’s situation and determine if the student:
Is unaccompanied and homeless;
Merits a dependency override;
Must instead provide parental data; or
If, they can document that their parents have refused to support them or to provide parental information on the student’s FAFSA, they should be permitted to borrow only unsubsidized loans
Homeless Youth Determination
A Homeless Youth Determination is a type of Professional Judgment review for students who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless and are unable to provide parental information on the FAFSA.
A student may be considered for a Homeless Youth Determination if, on or after July 1 of the applicable award year, they:
Lack fixed, regular, and adequate housing;
Are living in shelters, motels, hotels, campgrounds, or other temporary accommodations due to the lack of alternative housing;
Are temporarily staying with others because they have nowhere else to live ("couch surfing");
Are living in places not designed for regular sleeping accommodations, such as vehicles, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or similar locations; or
Are otherwise determined to be homeless or at risk of homelessness based on their individual circumstances and supporting documentation.
Students requesting a Homeless Youth Determination must submit documentation that supports their circumstances. Documentation may include statements from school district homeless liaisons, emergency or transitional shelter staff, social workers, case managers, clergy, mental health professionals, or other individuals familiar with the student's situation. If third-party documentation is unavailable, the Financial Aid Office may consider a student's written statement and other available information, consistent with federal regulations.
Each request is reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis. Approval is not guaranteed and is based on the student's documented circumstances and applicable federal financial aid regulations.
Circumstances not considered for PJ Adjustments
While Professional Judgment (PJ) allows financial aid administrators to consider many unique situations, there are **specific circumstances that federal regulations explicitly do not permit as a basis for adjustments.
Parental refusal to contribute to the student’s education: Even if a parent refuses to help financially, that alone is not sufficient to grant independent status or adjust financial data.
Student not being claimed on a parent's tax return: Tax dependency status does not determine financial aid dependency status.
Parent’s unwillingness to provide FAFSA information: Unless accompanied by documented abuse, abandonment, or similar unusual circumstances, this is not grounds for a dependency override.
High consumer debt: Owing money on credit cards, car loans, or personal loans is generally not considered a valid reason for aid adjustments.
Voluntary lifestyle choices: For example, choosing to attend an expensive private school, take on a mortgage, or support other family members not legally considered dependents.
Standard cost-of-living increases: General inflation, rent increases, or transportation costs alone typically won’t justify a COA adjustment unless documented as unusually high.
Inability to borrow parent PLUS loan: A parent being unwilling (not unable) to apply for or co-sign a PLUS loan is not valid for an override. Only a denial due to adverse credit could affect aid options.
Please Note: If your circumstances are not listed above, you may still be eligible to submit a Professional Judgment appeal. Since every student's situation is unique, all requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Regulations and Guidelines
Important Information Regarding Professional Judgment Requests
Professional Judgment (PJ) requests must be submitted as early as possible during the student's period of enrollment for the applicable academic year. In accordance with federal regulations, a Professional Judgment request cannot be processed after the student is no longer enrolled for the period of enrollment or after the end of that enrollment period.
Each Professional Judgment request is reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis. Because every family's financial circumstances are unique, students must provide documentation supporting their exceptional circumstances. Submission of a Professional Judgment request does not guarantee approval.
York College's Financial Aid Office exercises professional judgment in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy. All Professional Judgment determinations made by the College are final and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.
While a request is under review, students are strongly encouraged to make alternative payment arrangements, if necessary, and to regularly monitor their CUNYfirst Student Center (including the Tasks and Holds sections) and their York College email account for updates regarding their financial aid status and any additional documentation requests.
Processing Time
Appeals will not be reviewed until all documentation is submitted. The Professional Judgement Coordinator may also request additional information after reviewing the submitted documents, therefore, it’s important to monitor your email daily.
Appeal Decision Notification
All students will be notified of the outcome of their Professional Judgment appeal via their York College email account. Please allow up to 2 weeks for your appeal to be reviewed and processed after all required documentation has been received.
If your appeal is approved, any resulting adjustments to your financial aid eligibility, including your Federal Pell Grant, will be reflected in your CUNYfirst account. Please note that approval of a Professional Judgment appeal does not guarantee an increase in financial aid, as eligibility is determined in accordance with federal regulations and program requirements.
Last Day to Submit an Appeal for Fall 2026: Monday, December 7, 2026
Last Day to Submit an Appeal for Spring 2027: Friday, May 14, 2027
How to Submit a Professional Judgement (PJ) Request
Follow the steps below to request a Professional Judgment review:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Review the Professional Judgment categories to determine whether your circumstances may qualify for a review. If you are unsure, contact the Professional Judgment team for guidance before submitting a request.
Step 2: Submit Your Request
Email the Professional Judgment team at pjrequests@york.cuny.edu requesting a Professional Judgment review. In your email, briefly describe your circumstances and include your:
Full Name
EMPLID
York College email address
Phone number
Step 3: Complete the Required Forms
If your circumstances appear to qualify for review, you will receive instructions for completing the appropriate Professional Judgment forms and submitting your supporting documentation through the College's secure document portal or other designated method.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documentation
Provide all required documentation that supports your circumstances. Incomplete requests cannot be reviewed and may delay the processing of your appeal.
Step 5: Financial Aid Office Review
A Financial Aid Administrator will conduct a comprehensive, case-by-case review of your request and supporting documentation in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy. Additional documentation may be requested if needed.
Step 6: Receive Your Decision
You will be notified of the outcome of your Professional Judgment request through your York College email account. Please allow up to 2 weeks after all required documentation has been received for your request to be reviewed and processed.
If your request is approved, any resulting changes to your financial aid eligibility will be reflected in your CUNYfirst account.
If you would like to discuss your circumstances or determine whether a Professional Judgment appeal may be appropriate, please contact the Professional Judgment team at pjrequests@york.cuny.edu or call 718-262-2230 or 718-262-2234. You may also visit the Student Financial Services Office, located in the Academic Core Building, Room AC-1H04, for assistance.
