Montclair State University

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Request for Review

If there is a change in a student’s household income that is not reflected on the FAFSA a student can submit a Request for Review. The form for this can be found at www.montclair.edu/financialaid/forms

 

Can I submit a Request for Review?

If there is a change in your household income due to a change of income resulting from:

  • Divorce
  • Unemployment
  • Death
  • Loss of untaxed benefit (ie: worker’s compensation, child support, pensions and annuities, social security benefits)
  • Medical expenses that have been itemized on your Federal tax return

If any of these have occurred, you can complete a Request for Review form to have your financial aid re-evaluated.

What is not acceptable for a Request for Review?

We will not process requests for bankruptcy, increases in personal expenses (ie: mortgage payments, tuition increases for siblings, car payments), reduction in overtime or commission, non- taxed medical expenses, etc.

What documents are required to complete the Request for Review process?

Generally the required documents are:

  • Student’s Federal Income Tax Return (all schedules) for the appropriate year or a Statement of Income if no tax return was filed; if a student did not have to file taxes, they can submit a Student Non-Filing statement
  • A Verification Worksheet;
  • For Dependent students a copy of the Parent's Federal Income Tax Return (all schedules) for the appropriate year or a Statement of Income; if the parent did not have to file taxes, they can submit a Parent Non-Filing statement

If you already submitted this documentation because you were selected for Federal Verification, you do not need to resubmit.

Other documentation needed may include:

  • Copy of most recent paystub
  • Notice of Unemployment Benefits determination
  • Copy of disability award
  • Documentation supporting termination of benefits

Specific documentation will be determined by the section you complete on the form.

Generally how long does the Request for Review process take?

The Request for Review process does not start until July. You can submit your information prior to that and it will be held until July. Once your file has been evaluated your information will be updated with the Federal Government (and the State if necessary). Students will receive an email telling them that their award has been updated. They can view all information via their WESS account.

Once the Request for Review process has started, students who submitted documents prior to July will receive a determination within 5-6 weeks. Students who submit documents after July will receive a determination 7-8 weeks after all of their documentation has been received.

Should we wait until this process has been completed before we figure out payment?

No. Submission of a Request for Review form does not mean you will receive additional aid. In some cases students are still eligible for the same amount of aid they were originally receiving. You should plan with the aid you are currently being offered. If you are looking at your current aid amount and realize you need additional funding, you should begin looking to a parent PLUS loan and/or private loan options. If you do become eligible for additional aid, you can reduce or cancel your loans.