Example: John attends college and he and his wife have no dependents. Their Income Protection Allowance is $13,470. If their expenses in any category for the period they are in school exceed their allowance they would be eligible to file a special circumstance appeal.
| Housing | 22% | X | $13,470 | = | $2,963 |
| Food | 30% | X | $13,470 | = | $4,041 |
| Transportation | 9% | X | $13,470 | = | $1,212 |
| Medical | 11% | X | $13,470 | = | $1,482 |
John's mortgage is $850 per month and utilities average $300/month. He will be attending Full-Time both Fall and Spring semesters.
$850 + $300 = $1,150/month
$1,150 X 9 months = $10,350
$10,350 - $2,963 = $7,387
John can file a special circumstance appeal to have his budget increased by $7,387. This may increase the amount of total financial aid he could get but would not change his eligibility for Pell, SEOG or state grants.