Emergency Student Assistance
EMERGENCY STUDENT AID APPLICATION
The Florida Atlantic Cares Emergency Fund provides short-term financial assistance to currently enrolled, degree-seeking FAU students who are experiencing unforeseen circumstances leading to an unexpected financial hardship. This support is designed to help students remain enrolled and continue making progress toward their academic goals.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA using Florida Atlantic’s school code (001481) prior to submitting this application. Completing the FAFSA allows us to evaluate eligibility for all available sources of financial support.
Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Each request is reviewed holistically, taking into consideration factors such as but not limited to academic progress, financial aid status, prior CARES funding, and the nature and urgency of the emergency.
CARES funding typically ranges from $250-$1000 depending on circumstances. Previous CARES awards will be considered during the review process. Funding is intended to address new or significantly different emergency circumstances rather than recurring or previously CARES funded needs.
Eligible Circumstances
- Housing insecurity: eviction risk, utility shutoffs, unsafe conditions
- Essential items lost due to theft, fire, or disaster
- Food insecurity
- Transportation emergencies: urgent repairs or essential travel
- Medical/health emergencies: unexpected medical, dental, prescription, or urgent mental health costs
- Technology needs: essential laptop, internet, or required software failures
- Caregiving emergencies: sudden childcare or eldercare disruptions
- Income loss: job loss or major reduction in hours
- Disaster‑related hardship: relocation or property loss
- Academic need: room, board, or tuition assistance
Non-Eligible Circumstances
- Personal fines or debts (parking tickets, traffic violations, consumer debt)
- Non‑emergency legal fees
- Routine or planned expenses (regular rent, utilities, phone bills, study abroad costs unless tied to a documented crisis)
Additional Emergency Assistance
Florida Atlantic’s Beyond Food Program
Special Circumstances, Unusual Circumstances, and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Determinations
Additional Resources for Students
To speak with a financial aid representative – Click the 
bubble in the lower right corner to start chatting.