• Applicants must be degree-seeking graduate students at UIC (classified as “2G”) for the term in which the hardship occurred.  Undergraduate and professional students are not eligible for emergency grant funding from the Graduate College because emergency funding is supported by graduate student fees (i.e. students from the following degree programs are ineligible: DMD, DPT, JD, LLM, MBA, MPH, MD, MSW, DPharm, and MEng.
• Applicants must be registered for a minimum of eight (8) semester hours, or three (3) hours in the summer, for the term in which the hardship occurred.  The student must also apply for the funds in the term in which the hardship occurred, although applicants may submit their application into the next term if the timing of the event that caused the hardship necessitates such action.
• Emergency grants are funded by the Student-to-Student fee assessed to graduate students.  The Graduate College receives a part of these funds to finance the emergency grant program. Funding of individual applications must, therefore, be limited, due to the resources available.
• Award decisions will be made based on the applicant’s individual situation, but amounts awarded are subject to limitations and the applicant may not receive the total amount requested.  Grants are generally no more than $500.  The approved amount will not be greater than the documented expense (e.g., amount for emergency dental procedure not covered by insurance).  It is not within the scope of this grant to fund expected maintenance, even if not covered by insurance, unless there are other contributing circumstances.
• International students are eligible to apply. Their visa information must be up-to-date.  Please confirm with OIS prior to submitting an application.
• The Emergency Grant application must be used and filled out completely before submission to the Graduate College.  A signed explanation of the events that caused the acute and unexpected expenses, the reasons you believe your situation warrants the grant, and supporting documentation (e.g. doctor’s and insurance statement) must be included.
• Students must have a Social Security Number or TIN on file in Banner.
• We have been informed that students must establish Direct Deposit before submitting.

• Direct Deposit

• Grants awarded under this program are not subject to repayment and the amount of any awarded grant will be reported to the graduate student’s tax form 1098-T.
• The grant may be considered taxable income. Individuals should contact their tax professional to make a determination on whether or not this grant is taxable.
• Grants may affect federal loans:  Students who receive an emergency grant may find that it impacts their existing financial aid (federal loans). Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (money@uic.edu) or their specific Financial Aid counselor, cf. https://financialaid.uic.edu/faq/contact-us/.

Students will be awarded at most one Emergency Grant within a twelve (12)-month period and are limited to TWO grants during their studies unless there are extremely extenuating circumstances.  If students complete one program and begin a second graduate program, the emergency grant eligibility will restart with the second graduate program.

Awarded grant money will be direct-deposited into the financial account (e.g. checking account) a student has established in the University student database.

The application form should be completely filled out and signed before it is submitted to the Graduate College. In addition, any supporting documents should be attached to the application in one .pdf file. The Graduate College may contact you for additional information or clarifications.

• Emergency Grant Application

Normally, students complete, print, and sign the application and then drop it off at the Graduate College.  Files can now be sent to Box. See the “Submit Here” icon below.

Q.  Are all graduate students eligible to apply to the Emergency Grant?

A.  All graduate students who are degree-seeking and who are currently registered for 8 or more hours (3 or more hours during Summer Session).  The applicant to the grant will need to show that the current financial hardship is both unexpected and acute.

Q. After I apply for the Emergency Grant how soon will I know if I have received it?

A. We strive to review files within 48 hours of receipt of the completed application in the Graduate College. If the application is incomplete or additional information is required you will be notified via email to correct the problem and the application will be reviewed once completed.

Q. If my request for an Emergency Grant is approved, how will the grant money reach me?

A. Effective summer 2020, payment is done via Payroll.

• If you do not owe money to the University, 100% of the awarded grant will be direct-deposited into the established bank account to which your assistantship salary checks are deposited. [If you do not have an assistantship and have not established direct-deposit, you need to do so.]
• If you owe money to the University and you have a payment plan, 100% of the awarded grant will be direct-deposited into the established bank account to which your assistantship salary checks are deposited. [If you do not have an assistantship and have not established direct-deposit, you need to do so.]
• If you owe money to the University and you have not established a payment plan, you must first do so by contacting Student Financial Services (312-996-8574). After you have set up a payment plan, 100% of the awarded grant will be direct-deposited into the established bank account to which your assistantship salary checks are deposited. [If you do not have an assistantship and have not yet established direct-deposit, you need to do so.]

Q. Is this process completely automated?

A. No. Humans process these transactions manually. Normally, the Graduate College reviews a grant application within two business days. If approved and the student has no balance, the grant money should be in the student’s account within two weeks.

Q. Can I set up a payment plan for money owed the University in anticipation of receiving the grant?

A. Yes. Contact Tina Ramey in Student Financial Services (312-996-8574).