Emergency Assistance Programs

What is Emergency Assistance?


The University of Chicago understands there may be additional unanticipated and unexpected costs you will need to manage during your academic career.

Emergency Assistance Programs are available to assist currently matriculated degree-seeking students when these circumstances arise.

Emergency Assistance is NOT available to assist you with expenses included in the Cost of Attendance. For assistance with your Cost of Attendance please contact your Academic Division or your Financial Aid Office.

Emergency Assistance is also NOT available to satisfy charges posted to your University Student Account. For assistance with your Student Account balance please contact the Office of the Bursar.

Examples of Emergency Assistance eligible circumstances include:

  • Unanticipated/extraordinary medical and health expenses* over and beyond expected annual deductible and co-pays.

  • Theft of personal Items critical to student’s academic program.

  • Urgent travel/transportation needs surrounding an unexpected life event.

  • Temporary Loss of housing/unanticipated moving expenses surrounding an unexpected life event.

    *Excludes Dental and Vision Expenses. Visit the UChicago Student Wellness website for information on Dental and Vision insurance programs.

How do I apply for and receive Emergency Assistance?

All Emergency Assistance Programs can be applied for at my.UChicago.edu. Go to Finances -> MyAccount-> Emergency Assistance.

Emergency Assistance applications are reviewed for circumstance and funding type.

If approved, you may receive Emergency Assistance one of three ways:

  1. Living Expense Advance

  2. Emergency Loan

  3. Emergency Assistance Grant

Notice of the status of your application and the funding type you have been awarded is sent via your UChicago email. All funds are distributed via the my.UChicago Direct Deposit System. Please review your enrollment at my.UChicago > Account > Direct Deposit after completion of your application.

All applications will be reviewed within 2-3 business days. Any incomplete requests for information outstanding more than 5 business days will result in cancellation of your application.

All final funding type and award amount decisions are also subject to volume of applications and funding levels available at the time of application.


Please see additional information below on Emergency Assistance Funding Types:

Living Expense Advance

Students who have applied for and submitted all required financial aid and have an anticipated living expense credit balance may be eligible to receive a Living Expense Advance in advance of the regularly scheduled disbursement date.

Advance Amount

Students may receive up to $1,500 per quarter or 50% of the anticipated credit on their account (whichever is less). Advances can only be made to students 30 days before the quarter begins, only one advance is allowed per quarter and advances will be denied if you do not have a pending financial aid award.

Repayment

Advances, by definition, are repaid when the anticipated Financial Aid funds being advanced to you are credited to your student account. There are no interest or fees required to obtain the advance. Non-repayment of the advance may result in a Student Account Hold which includes restriction of further registration and Student Account Late Payment Fees.


Emergency Loan Program

The Emergency Loan program is intended to assist you with unexpected short-term financial emergencies.

Loan Amount

Students may receive up to $1,500 for an approved circumstance.

Repayment

Emergency Loans must be repaid within 30 days of receiving the funds or by the end of the current academic year, whichever occurs first. There are no interest or fees required for this loan. Non-repayment of the loan may result in placement of a Student Account Hold which includes restriction of further registration and Student Account Late Payment Fees.


Emergency Grant

The Emergency Grant provides resources to students who have extraordinary and significant emergency assistance needs and do not require repayment.

Grant Amount

Students may receive up to $1,500 per career in emergency grant funds and no more than $1,000 per individual circumstance.

Repayment

Grants are not subject to repayment; however, they are considered income and are subject to taxation. Students will be required to complete documentation prior to disbursement.