{"id":7323,"date":"2019-11-05T09:44:31","date_gmt":"2019-11-05T14:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/?page_id=7323"},"modified":"2026-04-09T14:22:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T18:22:28","slug":"professional-judgement","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/receive\/professional-judgement\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional Judgement"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t\t<div class=\"container my-4 my-sm-5\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"lead mb-4\">Eligibility for financial aid is determined by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/apply\/fafsa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/a>, which currently uses financial information from two years prior to estimate a household\u2019s current circumstances. The Office of Student Financial Assistance recognizes that households can experience changes in income or other finances that are not reflected in their information from two years prior.<\/p>\n<p>When these situations occur it is possible to re-evaluate a student\u2019s aid eligibility based on their current circumstances through the Professional Judgement (PJ) process. All Professional Judgement applications are <strong>required<\/strong> to have a detailed letter of explanation and supporting documentation. A Professional Judgement cannot be processed for changes until verification is complete. Please check your aid status on your myUCF Student Self Service Portal.<\/p>\n<p>There must be a <strong>significant change<\/strong> to the household finances to be considered for a Professional Judgement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-applicable Circumstances<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Standard living expenses (utilities, car payments, etc)<\/li>\n<li>Mortgage payments<\/li>\n<li>Credit card\/other personal debts<\/li>\n<li>Filing for bankruptcy<\/li>\n<li>Vacation expenses<\/li>\n<li>All other discretionary expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><mark> Having a sibling or parent who is attending college does not, by itself, qualify as an applicable circumstance under the University of Central Florida\u2019s Professional Judgment policy.<br \/>\n<\/mark><br \/>\nThe 2025-26 Professional Judgement form is now available for students to complete and submit through <strong>July 15, 2026<\/strong>. Students who are submitting for a Cost of Attendance adjustment after this deadline will be reviewed on a case by case basis.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"h3\">Types of Professional Judgement<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Change to Student Aid Index (SAI)<\/li>\n<li>Change to Cost of Attendance (COA)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 class=\"h3\">Change to Student Aid Index (SAI)<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Loss or change of employment<br \/>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"alert alert-info\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<strong>Note:<\/strong>\u00a0A change in student\u2019s aid eligibility will likely<strong> not<\/strong> occur if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The person who lost employment has currently been rehired and is earning a similar or higher salary than two years prior<\/li>\n<li>The loss or change to income was not significant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/li>\n<li>Child Support reduction or change<\/li>\n<li>Divorce\/Separation of parents\/spouse<\/li>\n<li>Death of parent(s) or spouse<\/li>\n<li>Excessive out of pocket medical and\/or dental expenses that exceed 11% of household\u2019s Adjusted Gross Income<\/li>\n<li>One-time taxable income (IRA disbursement, pension distribution, etc)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A change to the SAI could, but is not guaranteed to, result in a change of eligibility for need based awards.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"alert alert-warning my-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"mb-0\">To best determine if an SAI Professional Judgement could be of benefit to you please complete the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ucf.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_88qNlxqVJ9r3XX8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2025-26 SAI Consideration Application<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ucf.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_9HSeyea0xZgPUMe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026-27 SAI Consideration Application<\/a>.<\/strong><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2 class=\"h4\">Change to Cost of Attendance (COA)<\/h2>\n<p>Out of pocket costs for the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Costs associated with a student\u2019s disability<\/li>\n<li>Childcare expenses for a dependent child of the student<\/li>\n<li>One-time purchase of a computer for education expenses<\/li>\n<li>One-time costs of professional licensure required for student\u2019s major<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>A change to the COA does not necessarily result in a change in financial aid eligibility. An increased COA can provide additional eligibility in a student\u2019s educational budget for private aid. In some instances, a student may have increased eligibility for need-based and\/or non-need based awards. <\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"alert alert-warning my-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"mb-0\">To best determine if a COA Professional Judgement could be of benefit to you please complete the<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/ucf.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_ewDDQQXthurZzJY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>2025-26 COA Consideration Application<\/strong><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/ucf.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_afM9FGfGjOZ0SyO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>2026-27 COA Consideration Application<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The chart below lists the type of supporting documentation <strong>required<\/strong> for various categories of Professional Judgement. Failure to submit all applicable required documentation listed <strong>will<\/strong> result in a delay and possible denial of your Professional Judgement application.<\/p>\n<table class=\"table table-bordered table-responsive my-4 my-sm-5\">\n<thead class=\"bg-faded\">\n<tr>\n<th>Reason for Professional Judgement Petition<\/th>\n<th style=\"min-width: 300px\">Documents Required<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Loss or Change of Employment and\/or Income<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Statement on letterhead indicating the last date of employment<\/li>\n<li>Copy of the last paycheck including any vacation pay, severance, bonuses, or tips received<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of the gross income of the person whose employment status changed<\/li>\n<li>Members of the military must submit a copy of the DD214 and a LES showing taxable and untaxed income<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of any type of income being received including workman\u2019s compensation, payments from 401(k) or 403(b) plans, the financial contribution made by individuals outside of the household<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Death of a Parent or Spouse<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Death certificate of the deceased individual<\/li>\n<li>Copy of final paycheck<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of any death benefits received<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Death of a Parent or Spouse<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Death certificate of the deceased individual<\/li>\n<li>Copy of final paycheck<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of any death benefits received<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Disability<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Documentation of disability diagnosis<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of costs related to the student\u2019s disability ex. Personal assistance, transportation, equipment, or supplies (These costs cannot be provided by other agencies to be considered for a Professional Judgement.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Reduction in Child Support<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Documentation of the total amount of child support expected for each child<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Unusual Medical\/Dental Expenses<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Documentation of paid out- of- pocket medical expenses<\/li>\n<li>Copy of Schedule A (tax form)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Elementary\/Secondary Tuition Expenses<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of tuition expenses paid for the current academic year on school letterhead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dependent Care Expenses<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of dependent care expenses paid for the current academic year on letterhead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Computer Purchase<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of cost of computer required for educational purposes or proof of purchase (This is a one-time adjustment.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Professional Licensure<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of costs associated with professional licensure or proof of payment (This is a one-time adjustment. Preparatory coursework cannot be included.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>As a result of FAFSA simplification a dependent student getting married is no longer processed through a Professional Judgement.\u00a0 Instead as of the 2025-2026 aid year the student must submit a complete new FAFSA with spouse\u2019s information and consent.\u00a0 Please make sure to select \u201cStart New Form\u201d as marital status cannot be corrected on a previous submission.\u00a0 Although a Professional Judgment is not required, we highly encourage the student to confirm that the new FAFSA is successfully processed by contacting <a href=\"mailto:sfaSAPandPJ@ucf.edu\">sfaSAPandPJ@ucf.edu<\/a> after submission.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"alert alert-info my-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"mb-0\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> An approved Professional Judgement Appeal may not result in a change to the student\u2019s financial aid award package.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid bg-faded\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<h2 class=\"mt-4 mb-4\">Professional Judgement FAQs<\/h2>\n<p>\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-list ucf-faq-list-classic\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/for-professional-judgement-which-aid-year-should-i-complete\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91674243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFor Professional Judgement, which aid year should I complete?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91674243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The 2025-2026 Professional Judgment will be based on anticipated financial information from the 2025 tax year and the outcome will apply to the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters.\u00a0 The 2026-2027 Professional Judgment will be based on anticipated financial information from the 2026 tax year and the outcome will apply to the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 semesters.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/how-do-i-get-a-professional-judgement-application\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91644243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow do I get a Professional Judgement application?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91644243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Applications are by request only, students may request an application via email or in office.<br \/>\nEmail our department at <a href=\"mailto:sfasapandpj@ucf.edu?subject=Professional%20Judgement\">sfasapandpj@ucf.edu<\/a>. Be sure to include \u201cProfessional Judgement\u201d in the subject line and provide a detailed explanation of your special circumstance. Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/how-do-i-submit-my-professional-judgement-application\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91654243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow do I submit my Professional Judgement application?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91654243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Guidelines for submitting documents can be found on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/forms\/\">Forms<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/how-long-before-i-know-the-outcome-of-a-professional-judgement\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91794243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow long before I know the outcome of a Professional Judgement?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91794243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Outcome will be determined and sent to the student via their UCF email address within 3-4 weeks of submission of a complete appeal.<\/p>\n<p>Note: Incomplete submissions should expect a longer time frame as they will be pended until requested documentation is received.\u00a0 Once student submits all additional required documentation, outcome will be determined within 3-4 weeks from that time.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/i-have-a-pending-professional-judgement-why-isnt-my-financial-aid-disbursing\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91834243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tI have a pending Professional Judgement, why isn\u2019t my financial aid disbursing?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91834243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The chart below lists the type of supporting documentation <strong>REQUIRED<\/strong> for various categories of Professional Judgement:<\/p>\n<p>Failure to submit all applicable, required documentation listed <strong>will<\/strong> result in a delay and possible denial of your PJ application.<\/p>\n<table class=\"table table-bordered table-responsive my-4 my-sm-5\">\n<thead class=\"bg-faded\">\n<tr>\n<th>Reason for Professional Judgement Petition<\/th>\n<th>Documents Required<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Loss or Change of Employment and\/or Income<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Statement on letterhead indicating the last date of employment<\/li>\n<li>Copy of the last paycheck including any vacation pay, severance, bonuses, or tips received<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of the gross income of the person whose employment status changed<\/li>\n<li>Members of the military must submit a copy of the DD214 and a LES showing taxable and untaxed income<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of any type of income being received including workman\u2019s compensation, payments from 401(k) or 403(b) plans, the financial contribution made by individuals outside of the household<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Divorce or Separation<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Copy of divorce decree<\/li>\n<li>Statement from the family law attorney indicating the date of separation or proof of separation<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of any alimony or child support being received or paid out<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Death of a Parent or Spouse<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Death certificate of the deceased individual<\/li>\n<li>Copy of final paycheck<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of any death benefits received<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Disability<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Documentation of disability diagnosis<\/li>\n<li>Documentation of costs related to the student\u2019s disability ex. Personal assistance, transportation, equipment, or supplies (These costs cannot be provided by other agencies to be considered for a Professional Judgement.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Reduction in Child Support<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Documentation of the total amount of child support expected for each child<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Unusual Medical\/Dental Expenses<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Documentation of paid out- of- pocket medical expenses<\/li>\n<li>Copy of Schedule A (tax form)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Elementary\/Secondary Tuition Expenses<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of tuition expenses paid for the current academic year on school letterhead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dependent Care Expenses<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of dependent care expenses paid for the current academic year on letterhead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Computer Purchase<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of cost of computer required for educational purposes or proof of purchase (This is a one-time adjustment.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Professional Licensure<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of costs associated with professional licensure or proof of payment (This is a one-time adjustment. Preparatory coursework cannot be included.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/my-professional-judgement-application-was-approved-now-what\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91804243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMy Professional Judgement application was approved, now what?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91804243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Once a PJ application is approved please allow 7 \u2013 10 business days for a student\u2019s financial aid award to be updated.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> PJ Approvals due to a COA increase do <strong>not<\/strong> result in an increase in financial aid.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/my-professional-judgement-application-was-denied-now-what\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91854243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMy Professional Judgement application was denied, now what?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91854243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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\u2019s 2026 tax return once they become available for reconsideration.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/myself-or-my-spouse-independent-students-is-self-employed-commission-based-why-do-i-have-to-wait-for-the-2019-tax-returns-to-submit-a-professional-judgement\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91774243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMyself or my spouse (Independent students) is self-employed\/commission based, why do I have to wait for the 2026 tax returns to submit a Professional Judgement?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91774243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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 2026 tax returns once they become available to be evaluated for the entire 26-27 aid year.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/one-or-both-of-my-parents-dependent-students-are-self-employed-commission-based-why-do-i-have-to-wait-for-the-2019-tax-returns-to-submit-a-professional-judgement\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91744243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOne or both of my parents (Dependent students) are self-employed\/commission based, why do I have to wait for the 2026 tax returns to submit a Professional Judgement?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91744243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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 2026 tax returns once they become available to be evaluated for the entire 26-27 aid year.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/what-if-i-do-not-have-documents-being-requested-for-professional-judgement\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91734243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat if I do not have documents being requested for Professional Judgement?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91734243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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\u2019s 2026 tax return once they become available if they are unable to provide what is initially requested.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/what-should-i-submit-with-my-professional-judgement-application\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91694243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat should I submit with my Professional Judgement application?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91694243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>All PJ applications are <strong>required <\/strong>to have a detailed letter of explanation and supporting documentation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"d-flex mb-4 flex-column\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/question\/why-is-my-professional-judgement-application-pending\/\" class=\"ucf-faq-question-link collapsed d-flex\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#post91724243319641\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon-container mr-2 mr-md-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-faq-collapse-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong class=\"ucf-faq-question align-self-center mb-0 h5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhy is my Professional Judgement application \"Pending\"?\t\t\t\t\t<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-faq-topic-answer collapse ml-2 ml-md-3 mt-2\" id=\"post91724243319641\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card text-secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If your PJ application is incomplete, you will be sent an email notification to your UCF email account detailing what we are missing. We will also place a PJ Pending item on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/resources\/understanding-to-do-list\/\">To-Do list<\/a> on your myUCF Student Self Service Center.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Examples of why an appeal may be pending:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Missing signatures<\/li>\n<li>No explanation<\/li>\n<li>No documentation provided<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong>\u00a0If pending items are not received within 45 days of initial request the appeal will be cancelled due to inactivity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/faq\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary mt-4\">View All FAQs<\/a>\n\t\t\t<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-cta-bar-apply-types-receive \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid bg-primary my-0 text-center\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-4 mt-md-0 col-md-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a class=\"d-inline-block text-decoration-none hover-parent\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/apply\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<div>\t\t\t<span class=\"fa fa-5x fa-pencil-square-o text-secondary hover-child-text-white mb-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div>\t\t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill badge-inverse px-3 mb-2 text-center\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tApply for Aid\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-secondary pt-2 font-italic font-slab-serif\">Start the process of applying for financial aid.<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-4 mt-md-0 col-md-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a class=\"d-inline-block text-decoration-none hover-parent\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/types\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<div>\t\t\t<span class=\"fa fa-5x fa-list-ul text-secondary hover-child-text-white mb-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div>\t\t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill badge-inverse px-3 mb-2 text-center\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tTypes of Aid\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-secondary pt-2 font-italic font-slab-serif\">Learn more about the different types of aid.<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-4 mt-md-0 col-md-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a class=\"d-inline-block text-decoration-none hover-parent\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/receive\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<div>\t\t\t<span class=\"fa fa-5x fa-usd text-secondary hover-child-text-white mb-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div>\t\t\t<span class=\"badge badge-pill badge-inverse px-3 mb-2 text-center\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tReceive Aid\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-secondary pt-2 font-italic font-slab-serif\">Ready to receive your aid? Follow these steps.<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":5687,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullscreen.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-7323","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Professional Judgement | UCF Office of Student Financial Assistance<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/receive\/professional-judgement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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