Myself or my spouse (Independent students) is self-employed/commission based, why do I have to wait for the 2023 tax returns to submit a Professional Judgement?

Question 1

At this time, only the 23-24 Professional Judgement application is available to complete. The 23-24 Professional Judgement form considers extenuating circumstances that have occurred in 2023, thus is based on the 2023 expected income.

Question 2

Applications are by request only, students may request an application via email or in office.
Email our department at sfasapandpj@ucf.edu. Be sure to include “Professional Judgement” in the subject line and provide a detailed explanation of your special circumstance. Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.

Question 3

Guidelines for submitting documents can be found on our Forms page.

Question 4

Outcome will be determined and sent to the student via their Knights email address within 3-4 weeks of submission of a complete appeal.

Note: Incomplete submissions should expect a longer time frame as they will be pended until requested documentation is received. Once student submits all additional required documentation, outcome will be determined within 3-4 weeks from that time.

Question 5

When a student has a pending PJ To-Do List item this will block financial aid from paying. The student may request the PJ be temporarily canceled to give time for current financial aid to disburse.

The chart below lists the type of supporting documentation REQUIRED for various categories of Professional Judgement:

Failure to submit all applicable, required documentation listed will result in a delay and possible denial of your PJ application.

Reason for Professional Judgement Petition	Documents Required
Loss or Change of Employment and/or Income	Statement on letterhead indicating the last date of employment Copy of the last paycheck including any vacation pay, severance, bonuses, or tips received Documentation of the gross income of the person whose employment status changed Members of the military must submit a copy of the DD214 and a LES showing taxable and untaxed income Documentation of any type of income being received including workman’s compensation, payments from 401(k) or 403(b) plans, the financial contribution made by individuals outside of the household
Divorce or Separation	Copy of divorce decree Statement from the family law attorney indicating the date of separation or proof of separation Documentation of any alimony or child support being received or paid out
Death of a Parent or Spouse	Death certificate of the deceased individual Copy of final paycheck Documentation of any death benefits received
Disability	Documentation of disability diagnosis Documentation of costs related to the student’s disability ex. Personal assistance, transportation, equipment, or supplies (These costs cannot be provided by other agencies to be considered for a Professional Judgement.)
Reduction in Child Support	Documentation of the total amount of child support expected for each child
Unusual Medical/Dental Expenses	Documentation of paid out- of- pocket medical expenses Copy of Schedule A (tax form)
Elementary/Secondary Tuition Expenses	Proof of tuition expenses paid for the current academic year on school letterhead
Dependent Care Expenses	Proof of dependent care expenses paid for the current academic year on letterhead
Computer Purchase	Proof of cost of computer required for educational purposes or proof of purchase (This is a one-time adjustment.)
Professional Licensure	Proof of costs associated with professional licensure or proof of payment (This is a one-time adjustment. Preparatory coursework cannot be included.)

Question 6

Once a PJ application is approved please allow 7 – 10 business days for a student’s financial aid award to be updated.

Note: PJ Approvals due to a COA increase do not result in an increase in financial aid.

Question 7

Students with a denial outcome will receive the specified reason for the decision in their denial outcome email. Students have the option to be re-evaluated only if they have new documentation to submit. Students have the option to submit a signed copy of their family’s 2023 tax return once they become available for reconsideration.

Question 8

Due to the fluctuating nature of self-employment, sales-based, and commission-based pay it is impossible to estimate what the income will be for the entire year. The alternative to this is for the family to submit a signed copy of their 2023 tax returns once they become available to be evaluated for the entire 23-24 aid year.

Question 9

A Professional Judgement review is a courtesy, not a requirement; a student has 45 days from the day of the initial request to submit to avoid being denied due to inactivity. Students have the option to submit a signed copy of their family’s 2023 tax return once they become available if they are unable to provide what is initially requested.

Question 10

All PJ applications are required to have a detailed letter of explanation and supporting documentation.

Question 11

If your PJ application is incomplete, you will be sent an email notification to your Knights email account detailing what we are missing. We will also place a PJ Pending item on the To-Do list on your myUCF Student Self Service Center.

Examples of why an appeal may be pending:

Missing signatures
No explanation
No documentation provided

Note: If pending items are not received within 45 days of initial request the appeal will be cancelled due to inactivity.

Accepted Answer