About

There may be unexpected financial burdens that arise, and to help offset those costs there are efforts to assist undergraduate and graduate students who are facing significant financial difficulties that jeopardize their path to graduation. Please do not hesitate to contact any of the resources listed, if you need assistance.

Visit the Division of Student Affairs to look at all the various servicing departments that best fit your need for a broader sense of resources.

Financial Crisis Response Team

(Open to ALL Students, Grad and Undergrad, Including but not limited to Undocumented Students, International Students, etc.)

The UCSB Financial Crisis Response Team (FCRT) exists to assist students who are facing a financial crisis or urgent financial need. Financial Aid advisors work closely to evaluate, respond, and support students in crisis in a streamlined and timely manner.  If you are experiencing a financial or housing crisis, please email the Financial Crisis Response Team at financialcrisis@sa.ucsb.edu  and an advisor will attempt to respond within 1-2 business days. 

Short Term Emergency Loans

Associated Students Emergency Loan

Associated Students offers an interest free loan in amount of either $200, $400 or $600 for an academic quarter to any enrolled students. There is a processing fee of $5 and a $10 processing/assessment fee by BARC billing. The student must repay the loan within 30 days.

Emergency Loans

Emergency Grants (General)

AS/EOP Grants (Eop Members Only)

The AS/EOP funds are to be used to meet unusual educationally-related expenses that are incurred by regularly enrolled student members of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).To apply students need to make an appointment to see a counselor in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Areas covered by the grant include medical/dental/optical, graduate program testing fees, graduate program/professional program application fees, graduate preparatory exam fees, textbook and supplies, academic/research conferences and academic memberships, and emergency grants. If eligible for the grant, students will complete the application during the meeting with the EOP counselor. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (805) 893-4758, stopping by the EOP front desk in the Student Resource Building, Suite 2210, or by going to the EOP website staff page. 

GSA Emergency Relief Fund (Graduate Students Only)

The GSA Emergency Relief Grant was approved by the UCSB graduate student body in 2011 and is designed to help graduate students who are experiencing sudden financial distress due to unforeseen circumstances  The amount of an award ranges between $100 and $1000 depending upon individual circumstances. Please visit here for the application.

Emergency Medical Grants

Student Medical Emergency Relief Fund

SMERF was designed to assist UCSB students experiencing medical emergencies and students who have graduated will be eligible up to one quarter after their graduation date if they incurred a medical emergency during a quarter in which they were enrolled. Moreover, a student is eligible if they are unable to pay existing, anticipated or outstanding medical expenses. Any inquiries can be directed to the SMERF Account Manager at SMERF@essr.ucsb.edu or (805) 893-3253

Campus Medical Emergency Fund

The Campus Medical Care Assistance Fund (CMCAF) was established to provide financial assistance,
in the form of a grant, to UC SHIP students and enrolled dependents who are experiencing significant
out of pocket medical expenses due to an unforeseen medical emergency. Grants may be requested
for $500 up to the student’s campus in-network individual out-of-pocket maximum. If awarded, student
must consult a tax professional to determine if grant award is taxable. 

Students must complete, sign, and submit the CMCAF application with the below documentation:

  • Copy of Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Anthem
  • Copy of the bill from the provider of service indicating the student’s/dependent’s outstanding balance.
  • The written response to your request for Charity Care from the medical provider of service.

All applications must be securely e-mailed to CMCAF Review Committee for consideration: SHS CMCAF