Financial Aid Appeals

• Changing housing situation from “At Home” to “Away From Home”
• Excess rent: a copy of your lease agreement (Limit is $200/month increase)
• Homeowner's or renter's insurance premiums: proof of payment, copy of the policy
• Proof of payment: receipts, billing statements for three months for:
  
  • Basic PG&E/Utilities
  • Basic telephone costs
  • Basic internet costs

A medical, dental, and optical allowance for expenses not covered by insurance is included in the “Personal Expenses” category of the basic budget. Appropriate documentation for additional projected expenses or expenses that occur during the academic year include (there might be a percentage or threshold expenses have to exceed): 

• Healthcare provider's billing statements showing cost, date of treatment, and the amount paid
• Copy of insurance policy (for student's premium cost)
• Proof of payment by student or parent

Projected expenses that a student anticipates incurring during the current academic year will be considered on a case by case basis at the discretion of the financial aid advisor.  

In addition to the basic “Books and Supplies” category of the student expense budget, acceptable additions include: 

• Required reference texts
• Required special equipment/supplies
• Required research costs
  Computer Purchase (limit to one computer purchase per completed degree)

The basic student expense budget covers the moderate cost of public transportation for incidental travel to and from your parents’ or your home. Transportation costs must be educationally related. Acceptable additional expenses may include: 

• Transportation costs required by an academic program, unusual medical condition, or other reasons directly related to educational needs (supporting statements from an academic advisor may be requested)
• Costs of commuting to off-campus internships/fieldwork that are related to your program of study. Be sure to include:
  • Estimated mileage per trip (indicate whether one-way or round trip)
  • List starting and ending addresses
  • Number of trips and total mileage
• Cost of car insurance for the student that exceeds the current budget allotment
• Receipts for travel expenses associated with your education
• Receipts reflecting excessive cost repairs

An allowance for reasonable costs, as determined by the institution, for a student in a study abroad program approved for credit by the home institution.

An allowance based on the estimated actual expenses incurred for dependent care, based on the number and age of such dependents. Such allowance must not exceed the average cost in Los Angeles county; and the period for which dependent care is required includes but is not limited to, class time, study-time, fieldwork, internships, and commuting time.

An allowance, as determined by the institution, for expenses associated with a student’s disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred and not provided for by other agencies.

An allowance for the cost of any Federal student loan fee, origination fee, or insurance premium charged to the student or the parent of the student. The allowance may be actual or average costs, as appropriate; and may not include the cost associated with non-Federal loans.

An allowance for the costs associated with obtaining a license, certification, or a first professional credential, for a student in a program that prepares them to enter a profession that requires such a qualification.