Struggling Financially in College? Get Food, Funds, and Apply for FAFSA Special Circumstances

The cost of a college education is high enough without the added burden of struggling financially under today’s economic pressures. If your family is feeling the squeeze—whether from rising prices, unexpected job changes, or loss of income—please know that you are not facing this alone.

We understand that economic uncertainty, amplified by factors like inflation and shifts in government assistance, can create immense stress. But amidst these challenges, there are resources designed to help ease the burden and keep your academic goals on track. This guide provides immediate, practical steps and contacts to help your family find the support you need right now.

Immediate Support: Resources for Families

If your family is struggling financially and is having difficulty covering basic necessities like food, housing, or utilities, there are numerous national and local organizations ready to assist.

National Clearinghouses and Organizations

These resources are great starting points as they offer nationwide referral services that connect you to local help based on your zip code:

Immediate Assistance (Food, Housing, Financial Assistance, Disaster Relief, etc.)

United Way
Phone Number: 211
Website: www.211.org

Find Help
Phone Number: Use website to search by zip code
Website: www.findhelp.org

The Salvation Army
Phone Number: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Website: https://sahelp.org

St. Vincent de Paul
Phone Number: Check local listings
Website: https://ssvpusa.org/find-help

Community Action Partnership
Find a community action agency near you via website
Website: https://communityactionpartnership.com/find-a-cap

Assistance with Energy and Utility Bills

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Phone Number: 1-866-674-6327 (National Referral Line)
Website: www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/liheap

Low-Cost Medical and Dental Care

HRSA Health Center Finder
Use website to search by location
Website: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

Practical Local Steps

Don’t overlook the power of community resources that are often near your home:

Your Local Library

Libraries are incredible hubs for community information that can help families that are struggling financially. Librarians are often aware of local food banks, housing assistance programs, and free workshops. They also provide free internet and computer access.

Local Places of Worship

Churches, temples, mosques, and other religious organizations often run community pantries, clothing drives, and direct financial assistance programs for both their members and the wider community.

Local Food Banks

Use the USDA National Hunger Hotline (1-866-348-6479) to quickly locate the nearest food assistance center.

Critical Warning: Avoid Predatory Lenders

When money is tight, the promise of fast, easy cash can be incredibly tempting. Even when you are financially struggling, we strongly urge you to avoid predatory lenders, including payday loan companies and high-interest short-term loan providers.

These companies often use compassionate language and speedy processes to lure in vulnerable borrowers. However, they trap people in cycles of debt by charging exorbitant fees and annual percentage rates (APRs) that can reach 300% or more. A small, emergency loan can quickly balloon into an impossible debt that jeopardizes your family’s long-term financial stability.

Safer alternatives to consider include:

• Emergency grants from your college (see below).
• Seeking personalized advice from a certified, non-profit credit counselor, such as those available through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) at 1-800-388-2227 or https://www.nfcc.org/.

Campus Resources for Current College Students

Students have a unique safety net built into their schools. Take advantage of it! Your college or university is prepared to help you when times get tough:

Financial Aid Office

If you are a current college student and you’re struggling financially, your first step is making an appointment to talk with your financial aid advisor. During that appointment, explain your current circumstances, and ask for information, referrals, and next steps to ensure that your academics aren’t impeded while you seek out the assistance you need. You may be surprised to learn that there are a myriad of resources available to current college students, and your financial aid advisor can connect you to those resources.

Campus Food Pantry

Nearly every college has one. These pantries offer free, discreet access to food and hygiene products.

Emergency Grants or Loans

Most financial aid offices or Dean of Students offices administer short-term, no-interest loans or non-repayable grants to cover unexpected crises like travel, medication, or temporary housing.

Technology Loans

If your laptop breaks or you need reliable internet, check with the campus library or IT department for short-term equipment loans.

Health and Wellness

The Campus Health Center provides low-cost or free care for basic illnesses, and Counseling and Psychological Services are essential for managing the mental strain of financial hardship.

And be sure to checkout more tips in our blog post about the mid-term money scramble!

Submit Your FAFSA, and Be Prepared to Appeal Your Financial Aid Offer

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the essential first step for accessing grants, scholarships, and federal loans. All eligible students should complete it to whether or not they may qualify for federal, state, and school-based financial aid. The FAFSA is also your gateway to applying for federal work-study and federal student loans.

Who is Eligible to Submit the FAFSA?

• Any U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen who is a high school senior, a current college student, or a graduate student can submit the FAFSA.
• An eligible non-citizen is someone who is not a U.S. citizen but who already is a U.S. national, a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder), or has a specific immigration status such as a refugee, asylum granted, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or a parolee.

For more information, visit our recent blog post all about the FAFSA.

When Should I Submit the FAFSA?

The FAFSA typically opens on October 1st each year, and you should submit it as soon as possible due to first-come, first-served aid.

Critically, the FAFSA uses financial data from the “prior-prior year” (P-PY). For example, if you’re applying for the 2026-27 school year, the FAFSA requires data from your 2024 taxes. The challenge is that for many families, 2024 income does not reflect the current reality of financial hardship caused by inflation, job loss, or other economic impacts. If your current financial picture is significantly worse than your 2024 tax return indicates, you will need to utilize the appeal process detailed below.

Questions About How to Complete the FAFSA?

If you have questions, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC)

• Phone: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
• Website: https://studentaid.gov/

My Financial Situation Is Worse Than It Was in 2024. What Should I Do?

Much has changed since 2024, so it’s understandable if your financial situation is different than it was back then. This is especially true if you or a member of your household has recently lost a job, experienced a significant pay cut, gone through a natural disaster, or dealt with high medical costs.

If your financial situation has changed, petition your school’s financial aid office to revisit your aid package through a Professional Judgment Review, also known as a Special Circumstances Appeal.

Key Steps to Appeal Your Award:

Contact Your Financial Aid Officer

This is the most important step. Explain that you need to request a Special Circumstances review. The financial aid administrator has the authority to adjust your Student Aid Index (SAI).

Document Everything

You will need documentation to prove your change in circumstance. This may include a termination notice, severance package details, pay stubs showing reduced income, or receipts for unreimbursed medical expenses.

Submit the Request

The school will provide you with specific forms and a deadline. Act quickly, as funds for adjustments are often limited.

Scholarships: A Year-Round Solution

Never stop applying for scholarships! Scholarships are not just for high school seniors; they are a vital, debt-free resource for current college students as well.

Apply Year-Round

Scholarships have rolling deadlines throughout the year. You can win and use funds even after the current semester has begun!

Cover All Costs

Scholarship money can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, including housing and food. If the scholarship check is sent to your school and you have already paid for your tuition, the school will typically refund the excess funds to you directly so you can use those funds for your living expenses!

Focus Your Search

Look for awards based on your major, extracurricular activities, or community involvement. ScholarshipOwl leverages AI to match you to the scholarships that best fit your profile, and streamlines your application process. If you haven’t yet joined ScholarshipOwl, start your free 7-day trial at www.scholarshipowl.com!

Moving Forward with Hope

Facing financial instability while pursuing an education is incredibly difficult, but you have options. By tapping into local resources, campus support, knowing how to appeal your financial aid, and persistently seeking scholarships, you are building a resilient foundation for your future.

Be kind to yourself and your family when struggling financially. Reach out, ask for help, and remember that every small step you take today is an investment in a brighter, more stable tomorrow. Your education is worth fighting for!