Emergency Aid

Emergency Aid and Financial Support

If you are experiencing an unexpected financial emergency related to your cost of attendance—such as rent, food, medical expenses, or transportation—you may be eligible for emergency aid through the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.

Support is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on your situation, assistance may include:

• Emergency grants
• Advances on future aid disbursements
• Loans
• Restricted scholarships

Both domestic and international students may qualify, depending on financial need and documentation (such as the FAFSA or California Dream Application).

How to Request Emergency Aid

1. Contact our office to request emergency aid.
2. After we receive your request, you’ll be assigned an “Emergency Aid Request” task in MyAid Verify.
3. Complete the task by uploading:
   • A short, signed, and dated statement explaining: What the emergency expense is (for example, rent, groceries, or a medical bill) and why the expense is unexpected and urgent.
   • Supporting documentation that verifies your situation, such as:
     • Rent or utility bills
     • Grocery receipts or CalFresh paperwork
     • Medical bills or hospital discharge papers
     • Vehicle repair estimates or emergency travel receipts
4. Submit your request: Once you have your statement and supporting documents ready, upload them to the task and click “Submit,” then “Finish.”

Please allow 2-3 business days for processing. Once the review is complete, you will be notified of the outcome and the next steps.

Providing detailed documentation helps us review your request quickly and accurately. If you have any questions or need help with the process, please contact the UCSC Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.

Appeals Process

In some cases, students may need to update previously reported information. To address this, the Financial Aid Office offers a formal appeals process.