Increase Rule

If a student has any remaining unmet need, use this rule to attempt to increase the student's existing package with a specific item type or related item type group. You must designate a default disbursement plan and split code at the FA item type level to repackage the student with this item type.

If the item type being evaluated already exists in the student's original package and the student demonstrates additional eligibility for the item type during repackaging, then a second instance of that item type is awarded. Eligibility includes checking aggregate limits, need determination, and federal eligibility requirements. Posting combines the two instances into a single instance. Posting also assigns attributes from the first (original) instance, such as sequence number, award status, and lock attributes, to the adjusted award. The disbursement plan must match for both instances or posting of the second instance fails. If the disbursement plans match, but the split code differs between the two, a custom split (XX) is posted.

If the item type being evaluated does not already exist in the student's original package and the student demonstrates eligibility for the item type during repackaging, the award is handled as a new award.

If the student does not demonstrate eligibility for the award during repackaging, the award is returned as a 0 USD award with a message describing the failed eligibility.

You can use the Increase rule to offer additional awards with an award action of Offer or Offer/Accept. This award action is only available for the Increase packaging rule. (Remember that when the first and second instances of an award are combined during posting, the combined award possesses the attributes of the first instance).

You can use multiple Increase rules in a repackaging plan to increase the student's package. You specify the sequence for these rules within the plan.

At the repackaging rule level, you can target your increase population by specifying a need threshold for the increase to occur. Need threshold can be based on Federal unmet need, Federal unmet Cost of Attendance (COA), Institution unmet need, or Institution unmet COA. For example, if all students who have a sizable unmet need have an increase applied to them, the threshold can be a Federal unmet need amount that is greater than 1,000 USD.