Student Emergency Fund

Get Help for Life’s Unexpected Emergencies

We know unforeseen financial challenges can impact your academic goals. At ACC, we’re committed to your well-being and financial stability, helping you complete the semester and achieve your educational goals.

The ACC Student Emergency Fund is designed to provide support during unforeseen circumstances. To be eligible, you need to meet the following criteria:

Eligibility:

  • Be enrolled and attending class at the time of the request, including both credit and non-credit courses.
  • Have experienced an unanticipated event during the semester, such as car repairs, transportation issues, family emergencies, natural disasters, or unanticipated loss of employment.
    • Unanticipated car repairs or transportation issues
    • Family emergencies
    • Natural disasters
    • Unanticipated loss of employment

Additionally, if you need help with your tuition payment plan, please review the criteria below:

  • Have earned at least 12 credits at ACC
  • Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher and a 50% completion rate.
  • Be currently enrolled in at least 6 credits

What to expect after you submit a request:

After submitting a request, our staff will reach out via your ACC email address for further clarification or documentation. It’s important to note that not all funds can be directly distributed to students; some may be used to pay bills on your behalf. While we strive to assist with unexpected expenses, please be aware that the Student Emergency Fund may not cover the entire request.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that you are not eligible for emergency funds if:

  • You have received emergency funds within the past 12 months. 
  • You have received an ARP disbursement ($1200) during the 2023 spring semester.

Your success is our priority, and we are here to support you through life’s unexpected challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the criteria for receiving SEF funds?

  1. It must be an unanticipated financial emergency that occurred in the current semester;
  2. You have no other financial resources to address the unanticipated financial emergency.  See note below;
  3. The unanticipated financial emergency, if not addressed, has the potential to prevent you from completing one or more courses in whic h you are currently enrolled.

Note: SEF staff will verify financial aid awards to determine your available financial resources.

How often can I request and receive SEF funds?

At this time, due to limited SEF funds available, you can be approved for SEF funds only one time per academic year, with very limited exceptions.  We may be able to distribute funds more frequently in the future as more SEF resources become available. 

If I am approved, will SEF send money directly to me?

In most cases SEF will make payments directly to the business you want to pay.  Some businesses, such as apartment complexes, have payment portals that will require SEF staff to work closely with you to make the payment.  In these cases, you may need to create and share a temporary password for SEF to make the payment.

Do I have to provide documentation of my financial emergency?

Yes. In order for SEF to pay businesses directly, SEF staff will need copies of invoices, bills, estimates or, in some cases, eviction or utility cut-off notices.  Please provide these documents at the time you apply.

I have a financial emergency not listed on the website. Can I still apply?

Yes, you may still apply. The list provided is not exhaustive. It is intended to give examples of common financial emergencies students face. 

I had an unanticipated financial emergency last semester that I was able to pay for but it has caused me to run out of money this semester. Can I still apply?

Generally, the unanticipated financial emergency must occur in the current semester.  However, if you can explain how an event in the previous semester affected your financial abilities this semester, the SEF staff will take that into consideration.

Do you have COVID-relief money available?

No. ACC distributed all of its COVID-relief funds and does not expect to receive additional COVID-relief funds.

What other resources can ACC refer me to that could help me get through my financial emergency?

ACC maintains a searchable list of resources at ACC and in the community ranging from food pantries to childcare (and more). See our ACC & Community Resources page. Additionally, ACC students can opt-in to receive a curated list of new and timely resources. Emails are sent weekly. Opt-in here. If you are in a situation where you need to submit SEF requests regularly,  we may encourage you to reach out to the Student Money Management office for additional financial information.

If you have any questions about eligibility or need more information, feel free to email us at sef@austincc.edu.

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