Emergency Funding

For some students, you may believe that you cannot find support for food or other needs. Other concerns may focus on tuition bills, or family situations. Our team is here to support you, and there are resources available to students who are experiencing financial emergencies.

The Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) considers financial aid appeals for undergraduate students based on extenuating circumstances (e.g., job loss, significant unreimbursed medical expenses, etc.). Scholarship and/or loan funds may be available for such circumstances. Our counselors will be glad to meet with you to discuss these options.

Brandeis Emergency Fund

SFS also participates in the administration of the Brandeis Emergency Fund, which is available to both undergraduate and graduate students experiencing some kind of financial emergency when other resources are not available. In the past, the fund has supported students facing un-reimbursed medical or dental expenses, needing to travel home for unexpected illness or death in the immediate family, confronted with theft or damage to personal belongings, intersession housing and food needs, and the purchase of clothing appropriate for winter or an interview. We also know that a few students every semester confront food instability. The Brandeis Emergency Fund may be an option in these cases.  (The Emergency Fund cannot offer funds for tuition-related expenses; please contact your financial aid advisor for tuition assistance.)

Due to the limited nature of these funds, priority is given to undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated financial need and whose circumstances require an independent living arrangement. The maximum award that a high-need student would receive for summer housing and food is $3,250. A more typical award for a high-need student is $1,625. Brandeis is unable to support a student's family members or pay for childcare. We can help offset the costs of technology (laptop, internet) for students enrolled in summer or fall classes.

SFS can provide confidential support for students with demonstrated financial need facing financial challenges.

To apply for emergency funds, please complete an online application.