Financial Aid Forms and Appeals

Request a review if your financial situation has changed since the income reported on your FAFSA or CADAA.

You may qualify if:

• You or your parent or contributing household member experienced a loss or reduction in income
• Your current income is significantly different than what was reported

Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require documentation.

Only one appeal per academic year is allowed.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

How This Process Works

The FAFSA or CADAA determines your Student Aid Index (SAI). Federal regulations allow the Financial Aid Office to review and adjust your application based on special circumstances affecting your household income.

Important to Know

• Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Documentation is required
• Incomplete appeals will be returned and may delay processing
• Additional documentation may be requested during review
• Submitting an appeal does not guarantee a change to your financial aid

Situations That May Qualify

• Loss or reduction of income
• Loss of untaxed income or benefits (such as child support or Social Security)
• Excessive non-reimbursed medical or dental expenses
• Separation or divorce after filing your FAFSA/CADAA
• Death of a parent or contributing household member

Processing Time

• Most Special Circumstance Appeals are reviewed within 4–6 weeks after all required documentation has been received

• Processing times may be longer during high-volume periods, particularly before the start of a semester and during peak financial aid processing periods
• Additional information or documentation may be requested during the review process, which may extend processing time
• You will be notified through both your MyBC Self Service portal and student email if additional information is needed or once a determination has been made

How to Request an Appeal

1. Log into your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right
4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner
5. Choose "(see a. or b. below) Appeal For Special Circumstance (Income Adjustment) and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year)
   1. Student Appeal For Special Circumstance (if independent)
   2. Parent Appeal For Special Circumstance (if dependent)
6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center
7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

Click for video tutorials on How to Request this appeal

Request a review if you are unable to provide parent information due to your situation.

This may apply if you:

• Have experienced abuse, abandonment, or estrangement
• Are unable to safely obtain parent information

Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require documentation.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

How This Process Works

For financial aid purposes, some students are required to include parent information. In certain situations, you may request an Unusual Circumstance review if you are unable to provide that information.

Important to Know

• Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Documentation is required
• Additional information may be requested during review
• Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval

Situations That May Qualify

• Physical or emotional abuse
• Abandonment or severe estrangement from parents
• Parental incarceration
• Parental drug or alcohol abuse
• Mental incapacity of a parent
• Human trafficking
• Refugee or asylum status
• Other circumstances beyond your control

Situations That Do NOT Qualify Alone

• You are financially independent or support yourself
• Your parents do not contribute to your education
• Your parents do not claim you on their taxes
• Your parents are unwilling to provide FAFSA, CADAA, or verification information

Processing Time

• Most Unusual Circumstance Appeals are reviewed within 4–6 weeks after all required documentation has been received

• Additional information or documentation may be requested during the review process, which may extend processing time

• You will be notified through both your MyBC Self Service portal and student email if additional information is needed or once a determination has been made

How to Request an Appeal

1. 1. Log into your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
   2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
   3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right
   4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner
   5. Choose Unusual Circumstance for Dependency Status Appeal and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year)
   6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center
   7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

Click for video tutorial on How to Request this appeal

Request a determination if you are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, and are not living with a parent or guardian.

This may apply if you:

• Are unaccompanied* and experiencing homelessness
• Are unaccompanied,* at risk of homelessness,** and self-supporting
• Are staying temporarily with others because you do not have stable housing
• May lose your current housing

Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require documentation.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

How This Process Works

For financial aid purposes, students who are unaccompanied and experiencing homelessness, or are unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting, may be considered independent and may not be required to provide parent information.

Important to Know

• Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Documentation may be required to verify your circumstances
• Additional information may be requested during the review process
• If documentation is unavailable, you may be asked to participate in a documented interview with the Financial Aid Office
• A determination cannot be made until required documentation is received or the interview process has been completed

Documentation That May Be Accepted

Documentation may include a written statement on official letterhead from:

• A local educational agency homeless liaison (McKinney-Vento liaison)
• The director or designee of an emergency shelter, transitional shelter, street outreach program, or homeless youth drop-in center
• The director or designee of a Federal TRIO or GEAR UP program
• A financial aid administrator at another institution who documented your circumstances during the current or prior academic year

If Documentation Is Not Available

If you are unable to obtain documentation, the Financial Aid Office may schedule an interview with you to review your situation. Interviews may be conducted in person or via Zoom, and photo identification will be required.

• You must respond to requests to schedule an interview. A determination cannot be made until the interview process has been completed.

Processing Time

• Most Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Determinations are reviewed within 4–6 weeks after all required documentation has been received

• Additional information or documentation may be requested during the review process, which may extend processing time

• You will be notified through both your MyBC Self Service portal and student email if additional information is needed or once a determination has been made

How to Request a Determination

1. Log in to your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right
4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner
5. Choose Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Determination and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year)
6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center
7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

Click for video tutorial on How to Request this DETERMINATION

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Request a review if you have reached the maximum timeframe allowed to complete your program and need additional financial aid eligibility.

This may apply if:

• You need additional courses to complete your program

• You have changed programs or educational goals

• You have circumstances that extended the time needed to complete your program

Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require documentation.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

How This Process Works

Financial aid regulations limit the amount of time a student may receive financial aid while completing a program of study. If you have reached this limit, you may be eligible to request additional financial aid eligibility through a Maximum Timeframe (MT) Appeal.

Learn more about Maximum Timeframe requirements and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) by visiting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) page for complete eligibility requirements and policy information.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)

Important to Know

• Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis

• Documentation is required

• Only courses required for your program of study will be considered. Maximum Timeframe Appeals are reviewed based on one declared program of study, even if you have multiple active programs

• You may be required to submit a course evaluation

• Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval and does not automatically reinstate financial aid eligibility

Before You Submit

Be prepared to explain:

• Why you were unable to complete your program within the maximum timeframe

• What has changed that will allow you to successfully complete your program

• If you have multiple active programs, be prepared to identify which one you would like considered for Maximum Timeframe eligibility

Processing Time

• Most MT Appeals are reviewed within 4–6 weeks after all required documentation has been received

• If you submit an appeal before the semester ends, review of your appeal may not begin until final grades have been processed and end-of-semester processing is complete

• Processing times may be longer during high-volume periods

• You will be notified through both your MyBC Self Service portal and student email if additional information is needed or once a determination has been made

How to Request an Appeal

1. Log in to your MyBC Self Service Student Portal

2. Click on the Financial Aid tab

3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right

4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner

5. Choose Maximum Timeframe (MT) Appeal and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year

6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center

7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

Click for video tutorial on How to Request this APPEAL

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Request a review if you are not meeting the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and experienced circumstances beyond your control that affected your academic performance.

This may apply if:

• Illness, injury, or medical issues affected your coursework

• You experienced a family emergency or other unexpected circumstance

• Events beyond your control prevented you from successfully completing your courses

Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require documentation.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

How This Process Works

Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to remain eligible for financial aid. If you are not meeting the minimum GPA and/or Pace requirements, you may be eligible to submit an appeal.

Learn more about SAP, GPA, Pace, Warning, Probation, and Financial Aid Eligibility by visiting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) page for complete eligibility requirements and policy information.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)

Important to Know

• Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis

• Documentation is required

• Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval and does not automatically reinstate financial aid eligibility

Before You Submit

Be prepared to explain:

• The circumstances that affected your academic performance
• How those circumstances have been resolved or improved
• What has changed that will allow you to successfully meet SAP requirements moving forward

Processing Time

• Most SAP Appeals are reviewed within 4–6 weeks after all required documentation has been received

• If you submit an appeal before the semester ends, review of your appeal may not begin until final grades have been processed and end-of-semester processing is complete

• Processing times may be longer during high-volume periods
• You will be notified through both your MyBC Self Service portal and student email if additional information is needed or once a determination has been made

How to Request an Appeal

1. Log in to your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right
4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner
5. Choose Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year)
6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center
7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

Click for video tutorial on How to Request this APPEAL

(insert link here)

A Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustment Request allows the Financial Aid Office to review certain educational expenses that are not included in your standard student budget.

Students may request a review of specific expenses that may qualify for a Cost of Attendance adjustment.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

Visit our comprehensive Cost of Attendance page to learm more about it and  how it’s used in your financial aid.

COST OF ATTENDANCE

Important to Know

• Cost of Attendance adjustments are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Supporting documentation is required
• Submission of a request does not guarantee approval
• Expenses must be educationally related and incurred during your enrollment period
• Additional information may be requested during the review process

Eligible Expenses

Cost of Attendance adjustments may be considered for:

• Childcare expenses
• Transportation expenses
• Computer purchases
• Additional required materials, supplies, and fees
• Disability-related expenses

Not all expenses qualify for a Cost of Attendance adjustment.

Before You Submit

• Be prepared to provide documentation supporting your request
• Documentation requirements vary depending on the expense being requested and will be provided within the request form

Processing Time

• Most COA Adjustment Requests are reviewed within 4–6 weeks after all required documentation has been received
• Additional documentation may be requested during the review process

How to Request a COA Adjustment

1. Log in to your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right
4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner
5. Choose Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustment Request and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year
6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center
7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

Use this form only if you have been instructed by the Financial Aid Office to complete a Course Evaluation. 

The information provided by your instructors helps the Financial Aid Office evaluate your current academic progress when reviewing your request.

A Course Evaluation for Financial Aid may be requested as part of a:

• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal
• Maximum Timeframe (MT) Appeal

View details below before submitting.

Important to Know

• The Financial Aid Office will contact you if this form is needed
• This form is only required for certain financial aid reviews and appeals
• Not all students will be asked to complete a Course Evaluation for financial aid purposes
• Only courses that apply to your program of study may be considered for financial aid eligibility
• Your instructors will be asked to provide information about your current academic performance
• Completion of a Course Evaluation for Financial Aid does not guarantee approval of an appeal

How to Request the Form 

The Course Evaluation is currently completed using a PDF form.

1. Download the Course Evaluation for Financial Aid form
2. Email the form to each of your current course instructors
3. Ask your instructors to complete the form and email it directly to the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@butte.edu) from their Butte College email account
4. The Financial Aid Office will upload completed evaluations to your appeal file

Federal Direct Loans are available to eligible students who wish to borrow money to help pay for educational expenses.

Unlike grants, scholarships, and fee waivers, student loans must be repaid, including any accrued interest and fees.

Butte College does not automatically award student loans. Students interested in borrowing must complete the loan request process and meet all applicable loan requirements.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

Important to Know

• Student loans are borrowed money and must be repaid
• Borrow only what you need
• Requesting a loan does not guarantee loan approval or eligibility
• The amount you may borrow depends on factors such as your enrollment, financial aid eligibility, and annual federal loan limits
• If you reduce your enrollment, withdraw from classes, or do not successfully complete coursework, your future loan eligibility may be affected
• Additional requirements may be required before a loan can be originated
• Processing times may vary throughout the year

Borrower Rights and Responsibilities

As a student loan borrower, you have the right to:

• Receive information about your loan terms and conditions
• Know the interest rate, fees, and repayment requirements associated with your loan
• Receive information about deferment, forbearance, and repayment options
• Cancel all or a portion of your loan within the allowable timeframe after the loan has been originated and disbursed

As a borrower, you are responsible for:

• Repaying your loan according to the terms of your promissory note
• Completing all required loan requirements and counseling
• Notifying your loan servicer of changes to your contact information
• Understanding your repayment obligations before borrowing

Before You Submit

• Consider whether borrowing is necessary and only request the amount you need to meet your educational expenses
• Student loans are a long-term financial obligation and should be borrowed carefully

Want to learn more about student loans? Visit our Federal Direct Loan page for information about loan limits, eligibility requirements, repayment responsibilities, and how enrollment, course completion, and academic progress can affect your loan eligibility.

Processing Time

• Most loan requests are processed within 4–6 weeks after all required loan requirements and sufficient enrollment information is available for review
• Processing times may be longer during peak periods, particularly before the start of a semester and during periods of high request volume
• Additional review may be required before a loan determination can be made

Monitor your MyBC Student Portal and student email regularly for updates regarding your loan request.

How to Request a Federal Direct Loan

1. Log in to your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right
4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner
5. Choose Federal Direct Loan Request and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year
6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center
7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

If you have been awarded a Cal Grant, you must verify your high school graduation with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

Your Cal Grant award may remain on hold until your high school graduation has been confirmed.

Complete this requirement through your CSAC WebGrants for Students (WG4S) account.

View details below before taking action.

Important to Know

• This requirement applies after you graduate from high school
• Your Cal Grant cannot be paid until your high school graduation has been verified
• This requirement must be completed through CSAC, not through Butte College

How to Complete High School Graduation Verification for CalGrant Eligibility

1. Log in to your WebGrants for Students (WG4S) account
2. Select the current academic year
3. Review any pending requirements
4. Verify your high school graduation status and submit the requested information

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance accessing your WebGrants for Students (WG4S) account, contact CSAC Student Support:

📞 (888) CA GRANT (888-224-7268)
🕒 Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
🕒 Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

✉️ studentsupport@csac.ca.gov

Financial aid includes a housing and food allowance as part of your Cost of Attendance (COA).

For dependent students, Butte College initially determines housing status based on information available from your FAFSA/CADAA. If you no longer live with your parent(s) and believe your housing status is incorrect, you may request a Housing Status Review.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

Important to Know

• This review is intended for dependent students who no longer live with their parent(s)
• Supporting documentation is required
• Only one Housing Status Review may be submitted per academic year
• Approval is not guaranteed
• If approved, your Cost of Attendance may be updated based on your housing status
• If not approved, your current Cost of Attendance will remain unchanged

How to Request an Appeal

1. Log in to your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right
4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner
5. Choose Housing Status Review and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year
6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center
7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

Use this form if you are enrolled in one or more late-start courses and have dropped or stopped attending all other courses in the semester.

Submitting this form lets the Financial Aid Office know that you still intend to attend and complete your remaining late-start course(s).

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

Important to Know

• The Financial Aid Office will contact you if this form is needed
• This form is only needed in certain situations involving late-start courses
• Failure to respond may affect your financial aid eligibility
• You must attend and participate in your late-start course(s) as planned

How to Request the Form

Coming Soon!

The Intent to Attend and Complete Form is currently being developed and is not yet available through Student Forms.

If this information is needed for your financial aid eligibility, the Financial Aid Office will contact you directly with next steps.

Federal Pell Grant eligibility is limited by federal law to the equivalent of six years of full-time Pell Grant funding (600% Lifetime Eligibility Used, or LEU).

You may choose to decline your Pell Grant if you want to preserve a portion of your lifetime Pell Grant eligibility for future enrollment.

Submit through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting.

Important to Know

• Requests made after Pell Grant funds have been disbursed cannot be honored
• Declining your Pell Grant may reduce or eliminate your financial aid for the academic year
• The Financial Aid Office cannot advise whether you should decline or reinstate your Pell Grant. This decision is entirely your choice

How to Request the Form

1. Log in to your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
3. Click on Student Forms in the Resources column on the right
4. Click on Manage Requests in the upper right-hand corner
5. Choose Pell Grant Decline/Reinstate Form and the + for which year you are requesting (i.e. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 would be the 2026-2027 year)
6. Complete and submit the form in your Needs Action center
7. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request

Verification is a process used to confirm information reported on your FAFSA or CADAA before financial aid eligibility can be determined.

If you have been selected for verification, the Financial Aid Office must receive all requested documents before your financial aid can be processed.

Complete verification through your MyBC Self Service Student Portal.

View details below before submitting documents.

Important to Know

• Being selected for verification does not mean you did anything wrong
• Only submit documents that have been specifically requested
• Submitting documents that were not requested may delay the completion of your financial aid file
• Financial aid eligibility cannot be determined until all required verification documents have been received and reviewed

How to Complete Verification

1. Log in to your MyBC Self Service Student Portal
2. Click on the Financial Aid tab
3. Click on Required Documents
4. Click on Verification

5.  Complete and submit the information in your Needs Action center, following the instructions for each assigned task

   1. Make sure your full name and Student ID appear on every page of any document you submit
6. Be sure to click Finish to submit your request