Basic Needs Emergency Assistance

Basic Needs supports students experiencing crisis situations that would impact their ability to stay enrolled in classes. Completing the Emergency Assistance Application does not automatically constitute a financial award. The Emergency Assistance Application may not be available during semester breaks and university holiday closures. 

Please reach out to wellbeing@csueastbay.edu if you do not hear from someone after 7 business days.

To connect with the Case Manager contact care@csueastbay.edu.

Emergency Assistance Application Dates

Summer 2026: The application is open to students enrolled in summer courses from May 26, 2026 - July 31, 2026. 

Fall 2026: Applications submitted by incoming and continuing students enrolled in fall courses will not be reviewed until August 2026. 

Types of Emergency Assistance

Short-Term Emergency Housing

Short-term, emergency housing is available within Pioneer Heights for students facing unexpected housing loss or insecurity. Shared-housing units are semi-furnished with bedding, toiletries, and access to the Pioneer Kitchen. Applicants will work with the Case Manager for placement on the Hayward Campus and identify long-term housing solutions. 

To be eligible for emergency housing students must be currently enrolled students at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ and be eligible to reside in Pioneer Heights


Emergency Financial Assistance

Limited funding is available for enrolled students facing sudden, unexpected financial hardships. Please review all of the information below regarding eligibility, financial hardship types, and funding amounts prior to applying for emergency financial assistance. 

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Must be a currently enrolled student at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ in: 
    • Undergraduate, Graduate, or Credential programs. 
    • At least 6 units for undergraduates, 4 units for graduate students (exceptions may be considered).
  • Must be able to provide supporting documentation (e.g. bank statement, repair estimate, pay or quit notice, eviction notice)
  • Must exhaust all other sources of financial aid (grants, scholarships, and loans)
  • Emergency funds cannot be used for tuition and fees. 
  • Emergency funds may be subject to taxes.

Financial Hardships Considered

  • Sudden housing loss
  • Medical or dental emergency
  • Loss of income
  • Transportation breakdown
  • Theft, property damage, or natural disaster
  • Domestic violence or other crises

Funding Amounts

Funding thresholds occur based upon limited available funds from donors and grants. Students may not receive multiple awards for similar situations that exist over multiple years. 

  • Food assistance - Up to $250 per semester
  • Car repairs - Up to $500 per academic year 
  • Medical & dental bills - Up to $500 per academic year 
  • Course materials - Up to $250 per academic year
  • Rental assistance or housing balance - Up to $2000 per academic year
  • Emergency hotel stay - up to $500 per academic year

Financial Aid Requirements

To be eligible for emergency financial assistance, all sources of financial support must be exhausted including financial aid grants and loans. 

Note that adjustments to aid may result in an outstanding balance that will be your responsibility to settle. As such, before spending the funds it is advisable to review your aid package to see how it may have been adjusted upon receiving the emergency funds. Contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions. 
 
Federal and State Regulations do not allow CSU East Bay to provide financial aid recipients with funding in excess of their Cost of Attendance or 'Need' as calculated by the FAFSA/CADAA Application. (Need = COA - SAI). By filling out this form, you acknowledge that if you receive this funding and its addition results in excess, the funds may replace your current Financial Aid package in an order that will be in your best interest. For example, your loans or need-based aid that you may be able to use in subsequent terms may be replaced.  If your aid is subject to an adjustment, you will be contacted via your horizon email account. The California Student Aid Commission(CSAC) requires Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS) Recipients to have all additional aid reported to the State Department. Please note that any additional aid may result in a reduction of your MCS, requiring you to return part of the funds issued to you.