<p>My mom recently got laid off and received her severance package so on the tax forms it looks like my income is very high due to the sum from the severance package. Is there anyway to explain to colleges that this was a one time severance payment?</p>
<p>Call the financial aid offices and let them know. They may make an adjustment for it.</p>
<p>When you say “recently got laid off”…do you mean in 2011 or 2012?</p>
<p>When was she laid-off?</p>
<p>Is this a FAFSA-only school or what?</p>
<p>Some schools are going to wait awhile to see if your mom gets re-employed before giving you any serious consideration (and that’s only if they have help to give…many schools don’t).</p>