Professional Judgment | Origin: FA210
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Application Process: Verification, C-Codes and PJ --> Professional Judgment
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
PJ's cannot and shouldn't be used if parent/s refuse to fill out FAFSA and refusal must be in writing and documented.
Professional Judgements require documentation to support the claim.
I have learned that PJ's must be on a case by case basis and requirements must be followed and documented and justified.
Professional Judgement is needed for everything! But it should be used carefully and be needed for that situation.
When contemplating a Professional Judgement review all information to be sure it is justifiable.
Professional Judgement:
There are 4 types of Professional Judgement: 1.Adjustment to elements to EFC 2. Adjusting COA 3. Dependency Override 4. Establish eligibility for Unsub when parent refuses to complete the FAFSS and refuses to support student. All professional judgements are differents and should be handled on case by case basis and proper documents are required to process.
PJ is a case to case basis and would always need to be supported by documentation.
PJ are offered to students on a case to case basis and need to be documented.
When parent is unwilling or refuses to provide FAFSA information and not assist student, it is not enough to perform a PJ.
It is very common for a lot of parents not wanting to disclose financial information thinking the student is already considered an adult. Once they know about how this will affect the financial aid for their kids, usually they change their minds and disclose the information needed.
When exercising professional judgment, it's important to document and justify why the situation is considered unusual, with third-party supporting documentation strengthening the case. PJs are award year-specific, requiring re-evaluation each year. Parental refusal to complete the FAFSA or provide support is not a valid reason for a PJ.
Financial Aid Administrators must make reasonable decisions that align with the provision's intent, and the school is responsible for ensuring all PJ decisions are fully documented.
