Emergency Funding
Emergency Support at John Jay College
We know unexpected financial challenges can affect your education. That’s why, with support from the Carroll & Milton Petrie Foundation, Gerstner Philanthropies, and other donors, we offer emergency grants to help currently enrolled students facing urgent financial hardships.
About Emergency Grants
- Purpose: One-time assistance for temporary, unexpected expenses that threaten your ability to stay enrolled.
- Requirements: Apply only after exhausting all other resources (payment plans, aid, family/friends).
- Repayment: Funds awarded do not need to be repaid.
Use this quick checklist to see if your situation qualifies:
1. Are You Eligible?
- ✔ You are currently enrolled this semester.
- ✔ You’ve tried other options (financial aid, payment plans, help from family/friends).
2. Is It an Emergency?
- ✔ The expense is unexpected and urgent.
- ✔ It affects your ability to stay in school or maintain housing/safety.
3. What Does the Fund Cover?
- ✔ Emergency housing (eviction notice, fire/water damage).
- ✔ Utility shutoff prevention (electricity, gas).
- ✔ Unexpected medical emergencies.
- ✔ Loss of essential school items.
- ✔ Domestic violence, flood, fire, or natural disaster damages or relocation.
- ✔ Sudden childcare or transportation issues.
- ✔ Error, delay, or wrongful denial of public benefit or aid that impacts living stability.
4. What’s NOT Covered?
- ✘ Routine medical care or elective procedures.
- ✘ Planned moves or regular rent.
- ✘ Tuition or academic fees.
- ✘ Normal commuting or utility bills.
- ✘ Ongoing childcare costs.
- ✘ Past expenses, loans, or credit card bills.
- ✘ Non-essential utilities (cable, cell phone).
- ✘ Professional clothing or seasonal outwear.
- ✘ Legal, court, or immigration-related fees.
- ✘ On-campus housing own by the university.
- ✘ Laptop or electronic devices.
- ✘ Credit card debt.
5. What Do You Need to Apply?
- ✔ Completed application form.
- ✔ Personal statement explaining your situation (500 words).
- ✔ Supporting documents (lease, utility bills, medical records, etc.).
- ✔ W-9 form (if required).
- Applications are reviewed in the order received, but approval depends on meeting eligibility criteria and available funds.
- Once all required documents are submitted, processing typically takes up to 15 business days; during high-volume periods, it may take up to 30 days.
- Tuition-related grants are applied directly to your CUNYfirst account; other payments go to third parties (e.g., landlord, utility provider).
- Appeals are generally not allowed, except in extraordinary circumstances with supporting documentation.
- Emergency grants may be considered taxable income; consult a tax advisor for guidance.
Types of Emergency Supports
Housing/Utility: This grant is intended to cover essential housing and utility expenses, ensuring that students can maintain stable living conditions during times of crisis and navigate challenging circumstances with financial peace of mind.
Read more here: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/housing-and-utility-assistance
Tuition: This grant is designed to cover tuition-related expenses due to unforeseen circumstances, such as accidents, illnesses, family emergencies, or sudden changes in financial status, with the primary goal of ensuring the continuity of students' studies.
Read more here: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/emergency-tuition-assistance
Medical: This grant is designed to support students facing unexpected medical expenses that may interfere with their ability to continue their studies. Eligible students can apply for support to ensure they remain healthy and focused on their education.
Read more here: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/emergency-medical-grant
Book Vouchers: To alleviate the financial burden of educational expenses, the grant provides book vouchers that can be used to purchase necessary textbooks and course materials for students.
Read more here: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/student-life/wellness-center/emergency-funding/emergency-book-voucher-program
Transportation: We offer emergency transportation assistance to help students facing urgent transportation challenges. This support can cover public transit fares or emergency travel expenses, ensuring that students can continue their education without interruptions.
Read more here: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/student-life/wellness-center/emergency-funding/emergency-transportation-program
Food Pantry: This initiative aims to ensure that students have access to essential meals, thereby promoting their overall well-being and academic success. Our food pantry is stocked with nutritious food items to assist students and their households during difficult times.
Read more here: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/student-life/wellness-center/food-pantry
Meal Vouchers/Plan: Students can avail themselves of meal vouchers or plans to access on-campus dining facilities, ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals throughout the semester.
Read more here: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/emergency-food-voucher-program
These services are part of our commitment to supporting your academic journey and ensuring that financial hardships do not hinder your success. Whether you're facing a setback or need temporary assistance, we're here to help you navigate these challenges and thrive at John Jay College.
Location: L.68.00 New Building
Telephone: 212-237-8053
Fax: 212-237-8026
Questions with respect to the information on the webpage, please contact emergencyfunding@jjay.cuny.edu.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM