Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Hannah Stevens
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign alumni and supporters generously donated to the Emergency Dean Fund, and this fund provides very limited financial assistance for enrolled, degree-seeking students. This fund can provide one-time financial assistance every academic year for students enrolled who are unable to pay immediate, essential expenses due to a temporary problem related to an emergency, such as an accident, illness, natural disaster, recent unemployment, or other circumstances. Since there is a limited amount of funding, only emergency situations that are related to immediate safety or health issues will be funded. The funding is not required to be repaid, but must comply with financial aid reporting and rules.
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Eligibility
For students to qualify, they must:
- be currently enrolled in program the term the emergency grant is requested
- have a temporary financial hardship due to an unexpected emergency
- present documentation to support financial need
- have exhausted all federal student aid options, including student loans; take note that unwillingness to get student loans is not a sign of financial hardship
- have any need based aid remaining on the current year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The decision process will take into account academic standing and progress towards a degree.
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Covered Expenses
All expenses covered must be related to temporary hardships arising from an unexpected emergency. These expenses can include, but not be limited to:
- Safety related needs (changing locks, emergency shelters for the short term)
- Replacing important items lost in fire, theft, or natural disasters
- Medical expenses, or any other health-related costs
- Food
- Important utility costs, such as water, heating, electricity, etc.
- Books and other school supplies damaged or destroyed in fire, flood, car accident, etc.
- Travel costs for death or serious illness of an immediate family member as the student code defines
Remember to read our article about Illinois COVID HELP.
Expenses Not Covered
The fund does not cover expenses that are not directly related to temporary hardships or an unexpected emergency. The fund does not cover expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Fees and tuition
- Study abroad costs
- Non-essential utilities
- Parking tickets
Please click here to make a contribution to the Emergency Dean Fund.
