Updated: September 2025
The Student Emergency Fund provides short-term, one-time financial assistance to currently enrolled Rutgers–Camden students facing unexpected emergencies that threaten their ability to remain enrolled.
Important
- Students must be currently enrolled full time in a Rutgers–Camden degree-seeking program to be eligible to receive award.
- Students must show proof that all other forms of financial aid, campus resources, and community assistance have been exhausted before an application will be considered.
- Documentation is required for all requests. Students must provide clear proof of the emergency (e.g., medical bill, utility shut-off notice, police/fire report, hospital discharge papers, travel itinerary).
- The University reserves the right to request explicit documentation and to deny funding if documentation is insufficient.
- The Fund is a privilege, not a right. The University reserves the sole discretion to approve or deny any request.
- Funding is contingent on budget availability. If the Student Emergency Fund budget line is depleted, no further requests can be supported.
- No cash, checks, or direct transfers will be given to students. Funds are disbursed directly to vendors, service providers, or through university-issued gift cards only.
Emergency Fund Matrix
|
|
Eligible (May Be Approved, with Documentation) |
Ineligible (Will Not Be Approved) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Insecurity: | Emergency groceries or meal support due to sudden hardship (e.g., food stolen, unexpected crisis). Assistance is provided as grocery store gift cards. Students will also be directed to the Raptors Nest Food Pantry for additional and ongoing food support. |
Routine groceries, meal prep costs, dining out, or long-term food budgets. |
| Housing Insecurity (Life-Threatening Emergencies Only): | Hotel stay for up to 2 nights only with documentation of imminent threat to safety due to fire, domestic violence, flooding, or natural disaster. Payment made directly to the hotel. |
Rent, monthly housing payments, eviction support, move-in costs, extended hotel stays, summer housing, or housing unrelated to an emergency. |
| Medical Emergencies: | Urgent care copay, ER visit co-pay, prescription medication, or immediate medical supplies with documentation. Payment made directly to provider or pharmacy. | Routine medical care, elective procedures, dental/vision checkups, health insurance premiums. |
| Utilities: | Payment to prevent immediate shut-off of essential services (electricity, water, heat, internet required for coursework) with a shut-off notice. Payment made directly to utility company. |
Regular monthly utilities, phone bills, past-due balances unrelated to immediate shut-off. |
| Transportation (Documented Emergency Travel Only): | Bus, train, plane, or car travel costs directly related to a documented emergency (e.g., funeral of immediate family member, domestic violence relocation, natural disaster evacuation). Ticket purchased or reimbursed directly to vendor. This fund is not for daily commuting, gas, or routine travel |
Gas money, tolls, routine commuting costs (daily bus/train fare, parking passes). Travel for convenience, personal reasons, vacations, or non-emergency relocation. |
| Essential Academic Tools: | Replacement of a broken laptop or course-required textbooks if sudden and documented (e.g., theft report, fire damage). Payment made directly to bookstore/vendor. |
Upgrading technology, elective software, or non-essential electronics (e.g., tablets, TVs, gaming systems). |
| Disability Testing Fees: | Approved testing/diagnostic fees through the Rutgers-Camden Wellness Center. | Private evaluations outside the Wellness Center, elective certifications, or licensing exams. |
| Other: | Considered only with documentation showing sudden, unexpected hardship directly threatening academic continuity. |
Requests on behalf of family, dependents, or others. Tuition, student fees, or student loan payments. Outstanding Rutgers balances (housing, tuition, meal plan). Discretionary/lifestyle expenses (clothing, entertainment, furniture). |
Maximum Award
- Students may request up to $500.
- Awards are subject to available funding and the discretion of the review committee.
- Students may receive funding only once per calendar year.
Application Process
Students must complete the Student Emergency Fund Form, which includes:
- A brief explanation of the emergency
- The specific amount requested and intended use
- Supporting documentation (e.g., medical bill, police/fire report, utility shut-off notice, travel itinerary)
- Acknowledgment of one-time, non-renewable support
Review Timeline: Students will typically receive a decision within 5–7 business days. Urgent requests may be reviewed within 2–3 business days.
Accessibility Note: If a student is unable to complete the online application due to their circumstances (e.g., hospitalization), they may request staff assistance.
Review Process
Committee Composition:
- 1 representative from Financial Aid
- 2 representatives from Student Affairs (e.g., Dean of Students and Wellness
Meeting Frequency:
- Fall/Spring: Biweekly
- Summer: Monthly (with flexibility)
- Urgent cases: Reviewed ad hoc within 2–3 business days
Decision Authority:
- A designated committee member (e.g., Dean of Students) may approve up to $500 in urgent cases.
- All decisions are final and communicated via Rutgers email.
Additional Support
Students who receive or are denied emergency funds will also be referred to other campus or community resources (e.g., Raptors Nest Food Pantry, Wellness Center, Financial Aid counseling).
Student Emergency Fund FAQ
What is the Student Emergency Fund?
The fund provides one-time, short-term financial assistance for currently enrolled Rutgers-Camden students facing an unexpected emergency that threatens their ability to stay enrolled. It is a privilege, not a right, and is subject to committee approval and budget availability.
Do I need to be a full-time student?
Yes. You must be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree granting program at Rutgers Camden.
Do I need documentation?
Yes. Proof is required for every request (e.g., medical bill, police/fire report, utility shut-off notice, travel itinerary). Without documentation, your application will not move forward.
Do I need to use other resources first?
Yes. You must show that you have exhausted other options (Financial Aid, community resources, food pantry, insurance, family support) before applying.
Will I get cash?
No. Students will never receive cash, checks, or direct transfers. Funds are paid directly to companies, service providers, or given as a Rutgers-issued gift card.
How much can I receive?
Up to $500 per calendar year, depending on budget availability and committee discretion.
What kinds of emergencies are covered?
Examples (with documentation):
– Emergency groceries (gift card) + referral to the Raptors Nest Food Pantry
– Hotel stay for up to 2 nights only in imminent life-threatening emergencies (fire, domestic violence, flood, natural disaster)
– Medical emergencies (co-pays, urgent prescriptions, emergency treatment)
– Utilities about to be shut off (electricity, water, heat, internet needed for coursework)
– Emergency transportation (bus/train/plane/car travel) directly related to a documented crisis such as a funeral of an immediate family member, domestic violence relocation, or natural disaster evacuation.
What is not covered?
Examples of ineligible expenses:
– Rent, monthly housing, eviction support, move-in costs
– Gas money, commuting costs, tolls, parking
– Routine groceries or meal prep costs
– Tuition, student fees, loan payments, or past-due Rutgers balances
– Travel for vacations, convenience, or personal reasons
– Discretionary expenses (clothing, entertainment, furniture, electronics upgrades)
How often can I apply?
Only once per calendar year. This is non-renewable, one-time assistance.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Standard review: 5–7 business days. Urgent requests: 2–3 business days.
Who reviews applications?
A small committee: 1 representative from Financial Aid + 2 from Student Affairs (Dean of Students, Wellness). In urgent cases, a designee can approve up to $500.
What if I’m denied?
You may be referred to other campus or community resources (Raptors Nest Food Pantry, Wellness Center, Financial Aid counseling). All committee decisions are final.