Financial Aid and Scholarships

HEERF III Grant - Financial Aid Professional Judgement

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to provide emergency assistance to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This represents the third stream of funding appropriated, with approximately $39.6 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.  As part of this third stream of funding (HEERF III), provisions were made requiring Financial Aid officials to conduct direct outreach to financial aid applicants to inform them of the opportunity for a Professional Judgement Adjustment appeal.

A Professional Judgement appeal allows for a financial aid adjustment due to the recent unemployment of a direct family member (mother or father) of a dependent student or the recent unemployment of an independent student, or other circumstance related to COVID-19.  This refers to a significant change in current 2021 or 2020 income compared to a student’s required 2019 tax data reported on their 2021-2022 FAFSA.

Please note that students with an Expected Family Contribution of $0 on their 21-22 FAFSA will not qualify for Professional Judgement – as there is no additional adjustment that can be made.

Other circumstances, besides unemployment, that could be considered are:

  • Involuntary loss of income due to reduced hours or shutdowns as the result of COVID-19 during 2020 or 2021
  • Loss of income effective 2020 or 2021 due to disability
  • Significant medical expenses not covered by insurance during 2020 or 2021 as the result of COVID-19

If you feel you may qualify for a Professional Adjustment, please connect with the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.  Through their conversation with you, Financial Aid will determine if your Special Conditions qualify for review in accordance with Federal, State, and Institutional guidelines.  If so, you will be required to submit an EFC Appeal along with supporting documentation for processing. 

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships understands that many circumstances impact a family’s ability to contribute to a student’s education.  Our office will assist you in understanding your options and determine if any additional aid may be available based on your circumstances.  Please note that not all circumstances will be eligible for consideration, and not all appeals will result in additional financial assistance. 

Cal Poly Pomona - Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships