Emergency Financial Assistance

Please review the following eligibility requirements that apply to all of the available grant programs:

• Be an enrolled student during the academic year
• Be able to demonstrate urgent financial need with supporting documentation
• Experience an unforeseen emergency/crisis that impacts your success such as housing and basic needs, medical emergency, academic supplies & technology, transportation, or commencement-related costs
• Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)/CA DREAM Act Application (if eligible)
• Funding for basic needs grants is limited so priority will be given to students who apply early and submit completed applications

Please review the following eligibility requirements for each program listed below.  While each program has specific criteria, all of these programs require students to certify that they have read and met the eligibility criteria and that all of the information submitted on this application is accurate and true.  Additionally, all student applicants must understand and acknowledge that other areas of the University may be consulted which may be used to determine their level of eligibility for these resources.

• Basic Needs Grant Applications are reviewed during regular business hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m./Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Applications will not be reviewed after business hours, on weekends, or on University Holidays
• Once submitted you will receive a confirmation message
• The process can take up to 4 to 6 weeks after documents have been submitted
• You will receive a decision letter via email

• Awarding decisions will be made based on your application responses.
• Grant award amounts may also depend upon a review of a student's financial aid package.
• Students can still apply if they did not submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application
• The Basic Needs & Emergency Grant awards approved applicants from $500 up to $1000 per school year.
• The On-Campus Housing Grant awards approved applicants up to $2000 per school year.
• The Off-Campus Housing Grant awards approved applicants up to $2000 per school year.

Cal State LA's Basic Needs & Emergency Grant Program allows for students who are experiencing financial crisis due to recent, serious, unexpected circumstances beyond their control to apply for up to $500 in financial hardship support funding per school year. Funding for basic needs grants is limited so priority will be given to students determined to be in the greatest need. Applicants are required to provide documentation/verification of their emergency circumstances. A review of applicants' financial aid awards may be part of exploring resources available to applicants and determining equitable responses to the applications received.

Program Eligibility

In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements stated above, students applying for this grant must meet this specific requirement:

• Students must be enrolled in at least 3 units and in a Bachelor's or graduate degree or a credential program

Apply for Basic Needs & Emergency Grant

This program is designed to support students experiencing housing insecurity with one-time funding to for either on-campus or off-campus housing. These resources should support students who wish to persist with their enrollment at the university but may experience financial challenges in securing their own housing or who would otherwise require substantial loans to pay for housing.  Please only apply if you meet the following. This is a limited Basic Needs resource for Cal State LA students. 

Program Criteria:

In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements stated above, students applying for this grant must meet these specific requirements:

• For the On-Campus Housing Grant: must be currently residing in Housing and Residence Life 
• For the Off-Campus Housing Grant: currently not residing in any property associated with University housing 
• Must be currently enrolled, full-time (12 units undergraduates/ 8 graduate)
• Experiencing a crisis that inhibits ability to pay for housing-related expenses
• Be in good standing with respect to Student Conduct  
• Priority will be given to students who meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Students can still apply if they did not submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. 
• The On-Campus Housing Grant awards approved applicants up to $2000 per school year.
• The Off-Campus Housing Grant awards approved applicants up to $2000 per school year.

Apply for On or Off-Campus Housing Grant

The Cal State LA Emergency Housing Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with temporary transitional housing if they are experiencing housing displacement or homelessness. Our goal is to ensure our students' safety and provide them with adequate time to acquire permanent and secure housing. Placement is subject to space availability and individual student circumstances.

This program is designed for students who are: 

• Unhoused due to extenuating circumstances
• At high risk of homelessness or eviction
• Displaced due to unsafe living conditions
• Living in your car
• Living on the street

To be eligible for Cal State LA's Emergency Housing Program, a student must:

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in the semester for which they are applying for emergency housing

Before a student can move into emergency housing, they must read and sign the Emergency Housing Terms and Conditions.

Apply for Emergency Housing