Economic Crisis Response Grants

Types of expenses that do not qualify for an Economic Crisis Response Grant:

• Personal choices that result in lack of funding;
• Home country monetary deflations or changes in the exchange rate;
• Academic expenses, including tuition, university fees, room and board, study abroad;
• Parking tickets or other fines;
• Car routine maintenance expenses, tire replacement, or vehicle replacement;
• Personal debt and/or routinely occurring bills such as credit cards, car payment, insurance, utilities, rent, etc. (unless at risk of eviction due to qualifying unforeseen event);
• Loss of employment or reduction in wages due to voluntary resignation, temporary employment, or known/scheduled time off;
• Child support payments; 
• Expenses of family, extended family, or any individual who isn't the student or legal dependent;
• Routine medical expenses such as annual health check-up, dental cleanings, etc; 
• Legal fees and court cost (unless due to a crisis situation such as domestic abuse, housing insecurity, etc.).

• Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at least half-time at the University of Maryland, College Park when applying and at the time of award distribution.
• International students: Must be enrolled full-time while maintaining F-1 or J-1 status and in full compliance with all visa regulations.
• Must demonstrate financial hardship due to crisis, accident, illness, or other unforeseen events (and be able to document upon request).
• Must have exhausted all other possible financial aid and/or financial resources before applying for a grant (e.g., student loans, Medicaid, personal financial accounts, and community resources). International students: this includes seeking a private loan.

Submission of supporting documentation is strongly encouraged and, in some cases, required. Below is the list of circumstances requiring documentation:

• Rent/Housing: Submit a copy of eviction notice or past-due notice AND a copy of current lease or mortgage statement showing your name, monthly rent/payment due, and the number of housemates. If your name is not on lease/mortgage OR if you have no lease, you must supply a signed statement from the owner or account holder that confirms you live at the premises and the amount you contribute to the rent/payment per month. 
• Medical expense (including prescriptions, dental procedures, and medical procedures): Submit a copy of current bill or statement showing service provider, your name, and account balance due after insurance.
• Computer/laptop: One of the following: 
  Repair cost estimate from a computer repair shop that identifies the problem with your computer and the cost of repair; if the shop says that your computer is not repairable, the estimate must state that fact.
  OR
  A new computer/laptop estimate that shows provider, item description, and cost.
• Books/course materials: Submit a copy of current receipt or cost estimate for each item connected with the UMD course.
• Car repair: Submit copy of current repair estimate showing provider, your name, date, and itemized cost of repair. Note: the expense must be unexpected or an emergency; funding is not available for routine maintenance, tire replacement, or vehicle replacement.
• Emergency travel: Supply copy of airfare/travel documentation showing dates of travel, location, and total cost.
• Child/dependent care: Supply copy of current arrangement with your provider including cost.
• DACA renewal fee: Submit copy of current EAD card which shows your name and expiration date.
• Food/Groceries: no documentation is required.

DO NOT SUBMIT: bank account statements showing debits for rent, etc.; credit card statements showing charges for items requested (we do not provide funding for credit card debt); medical appointment confirmation or EOBs.

International students: Awards may be considered taxable income and international student taxes may apply. Students may need to file a U.S. and state tax return. Visit this website for more information. Any questions or concerns should be directed to a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office.