<p>My son goes to a need based school. For his freshman year, our family contribution was lowered about a third was lowered from the FAFSA EFC by the Financial Aid Director because of a chronic medical condition in the family. This meant were were given a “medium” size grant. We were told that this would remain for the full four years as long as our financial situation did not change. For this year our family contribution came back with no reduction and a much lower grant. Given my limited legal knowledge, do we have any recourse with the school?</p>
<p>Did you supply the school with the medical expense/info for 2008? I think you’ll have to do have them adjust you EFC on an annual basis to keep the larger grant as the FAFSA isn’t telling them that your financial situation actually didn’t change. Call the FA office and find out what they need for a review.</p>
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No. Need-based aid is recalculated every year.</p>
<p>You will probably have to ask for the special circumstances adjustment (based on the medical situation) every year. Just as you have to file FAFSA every year you will have to provide proof (medical receipts etc) of any extenuating financial situation that would allow the school to adjust your EFC every year. They are not allowed to just assume the same expenses as they have to have documented proof to support any adjustments they make.</p>