Student Wellbeing Services

Basic Needs Emergency Assistance

Basic Needs Services provides assistance to students experiencing unexpected crises or urgent situations that could affect their ability to stay enrolled in classes. Students facing these challenges are encouraged to complete the Emergency Assistance Application to get connected to additional support and services. 

Completing the Emergency Assistance Application does not automatically constitute a financial award. After completing the application, students will be contacted by a Student Wellbeing Services staff member.

For Submitted Applications: If you have submitted an Emergency Assistance Application, please note we review applications within 7 business days. Email hope@csueastbay.edu for questions or updates about the status of your application.

For Case Manager Requests: To connect directly with the Case Manager email care@csueastbay.edu.

For General Questions: If you have not completed an application and want to learn more, please email wellbeing@csueastbay.edu for more information about Student Wellbeing Services programs. 

Important Note:

If you are facing a crisis affecting your immediate safety, please contact 9-1-1.

If you are facing a housing crisis or received an eviction notice that needs response before 7 business days, please contact 2-1-1 for county resources. 

The Emergency Assistance Application may not be available during semester breaks and university holiday closures.

Types of Emergency Assistance

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  • The Temporary Shelter program provides on campus housing in Pioneer Heights for enrolled students facing unexpected housing loss, housing insecurity, or need shelter from unsafe living conditions.

    Students are placed in shared-housing units that are semi-furnished. Upon request, students can be provided bedding, toiletries, and access to the Pioneer Kitchen Dining Hall. 

    All students who apply for temporary shelter are required to meet with the Case Manager for support while in the housing unit. Complete the Emergency Assistance application to request get connected. 

    To be eligible for temporary shelter, you must be a currently enrolled student at Cal State East Bay and be eligible to reside in Pioneer Heights. 

  • Limited funding is available for enrolled students facing sudden, unexpected financial hardships. Please review all of the information below regarding eligibility, financial hardship types, and funding amounts prior to applying for emergency financial assistance.

     

    Eligibility

    • Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal State East Bay in: 

      • Undergraduate, Graduate, or Credential programs. 

      • At least 6 units for undergraduates, 4 units for graduate students (exceptions may be considered).

    • Must have exhausted all other sources of financial aid including all grants, scholarships, and loans. 

     

    Requirements

    • Must provide supporting documentation that demonstrates financial need, includes your name, and the company/entity charging you.

      • Examples: Bank statements, lease agreement, pay or quit notice, eviction notice, utility bills, repair estimates.

    • Must not request emergency financial assistance for tuition or fees.

     

    Financial Hardships Considered

    • Sudden housing loss, pay or quit notice, or eviction

    • Sudden loss of income

    • Medical or dental emergency

    • Transportation breakdown

    • Theft, property damage, or natural disaster

    • Domestic violence or other crises

     

    Funding Thresholds

    • Funding thresholds occur based upon limited available funds from donors and grants.

    • Students may not receive multiple awards for similar situations that exist over multiple months.

      • For example: A student who cannot afford rent multiple months in a row. 

    • Students cannot receive more than $2,000 per academic year. (exceptions may be considered). 

    • Students who apply for emergency financial assistance multiple times will no longer be eligible for financial assistance if their total funds awarded have reached $3,000. You will be directed to meet with the Case Manager to discuss additional options. 

     

    Funding Limits per Academic Year

    • Rent Assistance or Housing Balance: $2,000 

    • Emergency Hotel Stay (not able to access on-campus temporary shelter): $1,500

    • Utility, Internet, or Phone Bills: $500 

    • Transportation or Car repairs: $500

      • Must use transportation to commute to and from campus for classes

    • Medical and Dental Bills: $500

    • Food Assistance: Meals swipes to Pioneer Dining or up to $250

    • Required Course Materials: $250 

  • Emergency financial assistance may be subject to taxes. To be eligible for emergency financial assistance, all sources of financial support must be exhausted including financial aid grants and loans. 

     

    Note that adjustments to aid may result in an outstanding balance that will be your responsibility to settle. As such, before spending the funds it is advisable to review your aid package to see how it may have been adjusted upon receiving the emergency funds. Contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions. 

     

    Federal and State Regulations do not allow CSU East Bay to provide financial aid recipients with funding in excess of their Cost of Attendance or 'Need' as calculated by the FAFSA/CADAA Application. (Need = COA - SAI). By filling out this form, you acknowledge that if you receive this funding and its addition results in excess, the funds may replace your current Financial Aid package in an order that will be in your best interest. For example, your loans or need-based aid that you may be able to use in subsequent terms may be replaced. If your aid is subject to an adjustment, you will be contacted via your horizon email account. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) requires Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS) recipients to have all additional aid reported to the State Department. Please note that any additional aid may result in a reduction of your MCS, requiring you to return part of the funds issued to you.

Apply for Emergency Assistance