3 ways to seek student financial aid in an emergency

The students who benefit the most from the earning power of a higher ed degree are sometimes those who face the greatest financial challenges while in school. In fact, research shows 3 out of every 5 college students face some level of basic needs insecurity, and students of color are more likely to experience it. And this could make resources that provide emergency student financial aid especially beneficial.

If you’re facing a financial crisis during college and need extra student financial aid for basic expenses like food, housing, and tuition costs, on-campus and community resources could be able to help.

These programs are designed to provide student financial aid for emergencies — unexpected expenses, a loss of income, or a change in your parents’ finances — so you have the support you need to continue your coursework.

Consider these three steps to find emergency student financial aid in and around your campus.

1. Start with your financial aid office

The financial aid office is the home base for emergency funds and resources. They have knowledge of the programs available both on campus and in your community. Plus, they are familiar with your student financial aid package and the programs that work with your situation.

Whether or not you receive student financial aid already, there are emergency grants, loans, and vouchers available, many of which are government-funded and designed to provide emergency support for things like tuition, housing, books, supplies, and transportation. As you review your options, discuss any repayment stipulations with your financial aid officer.

Your financial aid office also knows about other on-campus initiatives — like whether dorm rooms are set aside for students facing housing insecurity or if there are meal vouchers you could claim. No matter what challenge you’re facing, they’re a good place to start.

It’s possible that they’ll have suggestions for other types of help, too. For example, you could newly qualify for rent assistance, help with your phone or internet service, or low-cost medical care depending on the nature of the crisis you’re facing. Or they could direct you to nonprofits that specialize in helping people with credit card debt, lack of reliable transportation, or a need for clothing and personal care items.

2. See if you qualify for SNAP food benefits or other community nutrition resources

To receive benefits as a college student, you must be enrolled in an institution of higher education at least half-time, meet the same criteria as nonstudents, and meet at least one of the student-specific qualifications.
Criteria for all SNAP recipients vary by state, so check with your state agency on how to apply. The federal criteria are:¹

• You must be at or below 130% of the poverty line in your gross monthly income, which is about $1,580 per month for one person.
• You must have less than $2,750 in assets.

Plus, you must meet at least one of the following student-specific qualifications:²

• Be under age 18 or over age 50.
• Have a physical or mental disability.
• Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment.
• Participate in a state- or federally-financed work study program.
• Participate in an on-the-job training program.
• Care for a child under the age of 6.
• Care for a child who is 6 to 11 years of age and lack the necessary child care to allow you to attend school and work 20 hours a week or participate in work study.
• Be a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12.
• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance.
• Be assigned to, placed in, or self-placed in a college or other institution of higher education through a SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program; certain other E&T programs for low-income households, which are operated by a state or local government and have an equivalent component to SNAP E&T; a program under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) (PL 113-128); a Trade Adjustment Assistance Program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Benefits can be used to buy groceries at virtually any store and even some farmers markets.

If you’re not eligible for SNAP, check with your student affairs office to see if there are off-campus or on-campus food pantries, meal-sharing programs, or other resources you could use.

3. Have your student financial aid package adjusted or seek federal aid

Normally, the federal financial aid package you receive is set for the academic year — but if there’s been a significant change between what you submitted on your federal income tax returns and your current financial situation, it’s possible that you could have your student financial aid adjusted.

Your school’s financial aid office handles this process, so you’ll work with them directly on your appeal. They aren’t required to make changes to your student financial aid package, but if you’re facing longer-term financial challenges (such as an unforeseen reduction in income or a sudden increase in medical expenses), they could be willing to consider it. You also have the option to work with the financial aid office to apply for federally funded student loans that you could use to help cover your unforeseen expenses.

If you find yourself in need of emergency student financial aid, rest assured that there are resources in and around your college campus that are designed to help you.