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 beyond those accompanying enrollment.

Emergency Assistance Programs are available to assist only currently matriculated degree-seeking students.

The Emergency Assistance Program is comprised of three types of assistance:

1. Emergency Grant

2. Living Expense Advance

3. Emergency Loan

Specific definitions, award Information, eligible circumstances for each type of assistance are listed below and students are considered for each funding type in the order listed above.

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 each type of assistance and awarded dependent on eligibility criteria, award funding availability, and if required, student acceptance.

If an application does not meet any of the eligibility criteria for any of the available funding types the application will be denied.

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

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 my.UChicago Direct Deposit System. Please review your enrollment at my.UChicago > Account > Direct Deposit after completion of your application.

Please see additional information below on Emergency Assistance Funding Types.

Emergency Grant

Eligibility

Emergency Grant eligible circumstances include:

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

2. Theft of personal Items critical to a student’s academic program.**

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

4. 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.

** For additional coverage review Property Insurance options.

Emergency Grants are not available to assist you with expenses included in the Cost of Attendance (see link under your Academic Unit specific page) nor to assist with charges posted to your University of Chicago Student Account. Cost of Attendance includes tuition and fees, housing and meals, books, course materials, technology, and travel to and from campus required for your educational program. For assistance with costs included in your Cost of Attendance please contact your Academic Division and/or your Financial Aid Office.

Amount

Students will receive $500 per eligible circumstance. Students may only receive two Emergency Grants per Academic Career or lifetime maximum of $1000.

Repayment

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

Living Expense Advance

Eligibility

Students who are not eligible for the Emergency Grant may be eligible for a Living Expense Advance. To be eligible students must have applied for and submitted all required financial aid documents and have an anticipated living expense credit balance for a future quarter disbursement to their Student Account.

Amount

Students may receive up to $1,500 per quarter or 50% of the anticipated credit on their account (whichever is less). Advances are only be made to students 30 days before the quarter begins and only one advance is allowed per quarter.

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 due to a loss of Financial Aid may result in a Student Account Hold which includes restriction of further registration and Student Account Late Payment Fees.

Emergency Loan Program

Eligibility

Students who are not eligible for an Emergency Grant, nor a Living Expense Advance, and who do not have a current outstanding Student Account balance are eligible for an Emergency Loan.

Amount

Students may receive up to $1,500.

Repayment

Emergency Loans must begin repayment 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.