Special Circumstances

Certain life events can impact your financial aid eligibility, such as income changes, medical expenses, divorce, death, etc. If you've experienced a special circumstance, you may qualify for additional financial aid considerations. Explore how these situations might affect your aid and learn about the steps you can take to adjust your financial aid package.

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Income Change? It Could Affect Financial Aid

Have you and/or your parents had a reduction/change in income that might affect your financial aid? At Monterey Peninsula College we recognize that circumstances for families can change unexpectedly. 

Your 2025-26 FAFSA or the California Dream Act application reflects income information from the 2023 tax year. If you or your family's financial situation has changed from 2023, you may request to have your financial aid eligibility re-evaluated using your 2024 or 2025 tax year.

However, if you are requesting an income request review after December 8, 2025, we require a completed 2024 Federal Tax Return or transcript with W-2(s).

If you feel you have special circumstances please complete the Income Change Review Form and provide an explanation and documentation as outlined on the form.

Income Change Review Form

Reasons for loss of income include:

  • Loss / Reduction of Employment or Income
  • Unusual Medical and/or Dental Expenses
  • Divorce, Separation or Death
  • Other, e.g. COVID-19 related 

Before completing any of these forms, make sure your 2025-26 Financial Aid File is complete and you are meeting minimum satisfactory academic progress standards or that you have a current and approved Personal Circumstance Form on file with the MPC Financial Aid Office.

Personal Circumstance Form