FINANCIAL AID

FAQs Income Appeal

What documentation do I/parent(s) need to submit for Significant Reduction of Income from Employment (unemployment or change in employment)?

A signed statement that explains the reduction in income from 2021 for you/spouse/ or parent documenting estimated earnings; alimony or child support agreements; unemployment compensation and job training benefits; actual disability and social security benefits received.

The signed Income Appeal form that lists estimated income for 2023. Income sources include:

  • Wages, salaries, tips (including severance pay, disability payments, and any income from work
  • Other taxable income (including but not limited to unemployment benefits, business income, etc.)
  • Child support received
  • Other untaxed income

NOTE: If you/your parent are/is divorced or separated, only include your/your custodial parent’s income information. If the loss of income is due to the death of your spouse/parent, include only your/your surviving parent’s income information.   

What documentation do I/parent(s) need to submit for Death of a Parent or Spouse?

A signed statement that explains the reduction in income from 2021 for you/spouse/ or parent documenting estimated earnings; alimony or child support agreements; unemployment compensation and job training benefits; actual disability and social security benefits received.

A copy of the death certificate

The signed Income Appeal form that lists estimated income for 2023. Income sources include:

  • Wages, salaries, tips (including severance pay, disability payments, and any income from work
  • Other taxable income (including but not limited to unemployment benefits, business income, etc.)
  • Child support received
  • Other untaxed income

What documentation do I/parent(s) need to submit for Divorce or Separation?

A signed statement that explains the reduction in income from 2021 for you/spouse/ or parent documenting estimated earnings; alimony or child support agreements; unemployment compensation and job training benefits; actual disability and social security benefits received.

A copy of the divorce decree or separation documentation

The signed Income Appeal form that lists estimated income for 2023. Income sources include:

  • Wages, salaries, tips (including severance pay, disability payments, and any income from work
  • Other taxable income (including but not limited to unemployment benefits, business income, etc.)
  • Child support received
  • Other untaxed income

What documentation do I/parent(s) need to submit for Disability?

A signed statement that explains the reduction in income from 2021 for you/spouse/ or parent documenting estimated earnings; alimony or child support agreements; unemployment compensation and job training benefits; actual disability and social security benefits received.

The signed Income Appeal form that lists estimated income for 2023. Income sources include:

  • Wages, salaries, tips (including severance pay, disability payments, and any income from work
  • Other taxable income (including but not limited to unemployment benefits, business income, etc.)
  • Child support received
  • Other untaxed income

What documentation do I/parent(s) need to submit for One-time income that increased my/parent(s) income in 2021?

You must submit:

  • a copy of your/spouse/or parent’s 2022 income tax return and applicable forms/schedules (itemized deductions; moving expenses, capital gains and losses)
  • A statement that identifies the source of income, the amount, and how funds were spent or invested.

What is a One-Time Increase in income?

One-time sources of income may include:

  • Inheritance
  • moving expense allowance
  • back-year Social Security payments
  • IRA or pension distribution
  • gambling winnings

Where can I see my EFC?

There are two ways to see your EFC.

1.  If you have received federal or state aid for the current academic year, you can find your EFC by following the steps below.

a. Go to the CSUN home page and log into the CSUN Portal.
b. Once you are logged in, navigate to My Finances.
c. Locate the box called Financial Aid Essentials and select Check Your Award.
d. Select the 2023-2024 award year, which is the same as the 2023-2024 academic year.
e. You will see your financial aid award for the entire academic year. Scroll down to the bottom and click on “Financial Aid Summary” to view your EFC.

2. You may log into studentaid.gov “Returning User” link and select the “View or Print” your Student Aid Report (SAR)" option located near the middle of the “My FAFSA" page. Your EFC will be located in the upper right-hand corner of your SAR.

How do I submit my Income Appeal?

Download the Income Appeal form, complete and sign the form. Create a personal statement and sign your statement. Upload and submit all of your documents as PDF files through the CSUN Portal or mail to the address on the form.