Family Contribution Appeal
What is a Student Aid Index (SAI) Appeal?
USA exercises Professional Judgment (PJ) as permitted by the Department of Education for students and parents who have experienced special circumstances and have requested a review of their Student Aid Index (SAI). PJ is used on a case-by-case basis. Special circumstances include but are not limited to:
- Loss of employment due to involuntary termination of lay off
- Loss of wages due to an involuntary reduction in work hours
- Death of a spouse/ parent
- Disability
- Medical, dental or nursing home expenses not covered by insurance
To request a review or re-evaluation due to special circumstances at USA, students must first complete verification if selected. Students will then request a SAI Appeal in the USA Verification Portal. Along with a SAI Appeal form, students must submit a brief statement describing their special circumstances , and provide supporting documentation.
Examples of supporting documentation include but are not limited to:
1. Letter from employer (signed and dated on letterhead)
2. Copies of 2 most recent pay stubs
3. Divorce decree
4. Death certificate
5. Letter from a physician (signed and dated on letterhead)
6. Signed Tax returns
7. Signed statements documenting estimated earnings
8. Alimony designated in divorce agreements
9. Unemployment compensation and job training benefits
10. Actual disability benefits received
Steps to Open a SAI Appeal
1. Log into the Verification Portal using your JagNet credentials;
2. Confirm the 4 key identifiers from the FAFSA (first name, last name, date of birth and social security number);
3. Click the Manage Requests box in the upper right hand corner of the page and select the blue plus sign for SAI Appeal for the appropriate aid year.
4. Complete the Web Form and upload documentation to support the circumstances.
SAI Appeal FAQs