Financial Aid Appeals

If your financial aid has been suspended or your financial situation has changed, you may be eligible to submit an appeal. The Long Beach City College Financial Aid Office reviews appeals on a case-by-case basis.

What is a Financial Aid Appeal?

A financial aid appeal allows students to request a review of a financial aid decision when special circumstances impact their eligibility. Students may submit documentation explaining their situation so the Financial Aid Office can determine whether aid eligibility can be reinstated or adjusted.

Types of Financial Aid Appeals

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal

Students who did not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards may submit an appeal explaining the circumstances that affected their academic performance.

• Serious illness or medical condition
• Death or emergency involving an immediate family member
• Mental health challenges
• Unexpected life circumstances

Special Circumstances Appeal

If your financial situation has significantly changed since submitting the FAFSA or CADAA, you may request a re-evaluation of your financial aid eligibility. Situations such as the following are considered here:

• Loss of employment
• Reduction in household income
• Divorce or separation of student’s spouse or parents
• Death of a parent or spouse

Dependency Override Appeal

Students who cannot obtain parental information due to unusual and extenuating family circumstances may request a dependency override. If approved, the student will be considered independent for financial aid purposes

Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustment Appeal

Students with educational expenses not included in the standard cost of attendance may request a budget adjustment.

• Childcare expenses
• Required tools or equipment for academic programs
• Transportation expenses
• Disability-related educational costs

California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Appeal

Students who are on Academic or Progress Probation for 2 (two) consecutive terms lose their eligibility for the California College Promise Grant at the next registration opportunity.

Students can appeal this determination due to extenuating circumstances or financial hardship by completing either CCPG Appeal form or requesting to be evaluated for an appeal on the SAP Appeal form by checking the appropriate box on that form.

How to Submit an Appeal

1. Review the appeal requirements on the Financial Aid Office Website and appeal form
2. Complete the appropriate appeal form on http://lbcc.studentforms.com
3. Write a detailed statement explaining your circumstances.
4. Provide the required supporting documentation regarding your situation.
5. Submit your appeal at http://lbcc.studentforms.com

Important:

• Appeal approval is not guaranteed.
• Approved students may be placed on financial aid probation or an academic plan (please read LBCC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for more information)
• Processing times may take several weeks depending on volume and time of year. 
• Appeals are reviewed in the order they are received.