Student Basic Needs offers economic support for students experiencing financial insecurity of having stable and predictable income to support a standard living.
Financial insecurity refers to the inability for students to access financial resources to be a successful student, or find the resources to gain financial literacy, such as educational materials to understand what resources are available and where to receive additional support.
Student Basic Needs Supplemental Funding
The Student Basic Needs Supplemental Funding is a one-time funding opportunity designed to help currently enrolled students who are experiencing sudden financial distress due to unforeseen circumstances. These awards are available for students experiencing financial difficulties that jeopardize their success or continued enrollment at USC and who have exhausted all other resources. Examples may include, but are not limited to housing costs, food costs, or unforseen dental/medical costs.
Examples of how awards can be used:
- Housing/rent expenses;
- Food expenses;
- Unforeseen medical/dental expenses;
- Childcare expenses
Examples of how awards can’t be used:
- Transportation expenses (e.g. gas);
- Vehicle repairs/expenses (e.g. car parts);
- Books, supplies, or technology expenses;
- Tuition & fees
Please note: In order to be considered for supplemental funding, financial aid recipients (anyone receiving grants, scholarships, work-study, and/or loans) must connect with USC Financial Aid to discuss any available options that can meet their current financial needs.
Eligibility
- Student must be enrolled at least half time, and in the term (i.e. Fall, Spring, Summer) funds are being requested
- Have sudden financial distress due to unforeseen circumstances
- Have a $0 bill balance with the university
- Receive approval from Financial Aid. Student Basic Needs will connect with the Financial Aid Office on your behalf
- Must be able to supply any additional information requested such as bills, receipts, or other documents
Application Process
Once you have connected with USC Financial Aid (if applicable), and have met the above eligibility requirements, please complete the application and send all supporting documents (e.g., lease/rental agreement, receipt for childcare, bill for medical costs, utility bills, etc.) to basicneeds@usc.edu with the subject line “Student Basic Needs Supplemental Funding Application Supporting Documents” and include the following information in the email:
- Student First & Last Name
- USC Student ID
Fall 2022 Application
- Closed
Spring 2023 Application
- Opens: January 30, 2023
- Closed: April 24, 2023
USC Financial Aid
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