An unexpected emergency can make graduate school even harder to manage, especially when you’re already stretching your budget to cover everyday expenses.
If you’re a graduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), you may be eligible for up to $1,000 in emergency financial assistance through the Graduate College Emergency Grant.
This program helps eligible students facing sudden, short-term financial hardships, such as funeral expenses, fire damage, or unexpected vehicle repairs after an accident.
Approved grants don’t need to be repaid, but there are specific eligibility requirements and application rules you’ll need to follow.
What Is the UIC Graduate College Emergency Grant?
The UIC Graduate College Emergency Grant provides financial assistance to eligible graduate students experiencing acute, unexpected financial hardships.
It’s designed to help with emergencies that arise suddenly and create expenses a student may not be prepared to cover.
According to UIC, qualifying situations may include:
- Burial expenses following a death.
- Property damage caused by a fire.
- Vehicle repairs resulting from an accident.
- Other unexpected, documented emergency expenses.
The program isn’t intended to cover routine financial difficulties or expected maintenance costs.
For example, regular vehicle maintenance generally wouldn’t qualify simply because insurance doesn’t cover it. However, UIC may consider additional circumstances when reviewing an application.
Funding comes from a portion of the Student-to-Student fee assessed to graduate students during the fall and spring semesters.
Because funding is limited, awards are determined individually and aren’t guaranteed.
Who May Qualify for the Emergency Grant?
To qualify, students generally must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a degree-seeking UIC graduate student classified as 2G during the term when the emergency occurred.
- Be registered for at least 8 semester hours, or 3 semester hours during the summer.
- Experience an acute, unexpected, short-term financial hardship.
- Apply during the academic term when the hardship occurred, unless the timing of the emergency makes it necessary to apply during the following term.
- Provide the required application materials and documentation.
UIC also requires applicants to have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) on file in Banner.
Students must establish Direct Deposit with the university before submitting an application.
Meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee approval. UIC reviews each application based on the student’s circumstances, documented expenses, and available funding.
May International Students Apply?
Yes. UIC allows international graduate students to apply.
However, visa information must be current, and UIC instructs international students to confirm their information with the Office of International Services (OIS) before applying.
Some international applicants may also need additional documentation before payment can be processed.
Which Students Are Not Eligible?
Undergraduate students and students enrolled in certain professional degree programs aren’t eligible for this particular Graduate College fund.
UIC specifically excludes students in these programs:
- DMD
- DPT
- JD
- LLM
- MBA
- MPH
- MD
- MSW
- DPharm
- MEng
However, some professional students may have other emergency assistance options.
For example, MSW students may apply for emergency funding through the Jane Addams College of Social Work (JACSW), while MPH and DrPH students may seek assistance through the School of Public Health (SPH).
These are separate programs with their own requirements.
How Much Money Could You Receive?
Effective August 16, 2026, UIC increased the maximum Graduate College Emergency Grant to $1,000.
The university says grants are generally no more than $1,000, and the amount awarded depends on the student’s individual circumstances.
Your approved award cannot exceed your documented emergency expense.
For example, if your qualifying emergency expense is $600, you wouldn’t receive a $1,000 grant for that expense.
UIC may also approve less than the amount requested because funding is limited.
Approved grants don’t need to be repaid.
How Often Could You Receive the Grant?
UIC limits emergency grants to:
- One award within a 12-month period.
- Two awards total during your graduate studies.
The university may make exceptions to the two-award limit in extremely extenuating circumstances.
There’s also an important exception for students who begin another graduate degree.
If you complete one graduate program and start a second graduate program, your emergency grant eligibility restarts with the new program.
How Do You Apply?
Applications are submitted through the UIC Graduate College.
You’ll need to complete the official application and provide documentation supporting your emergency.
Step 1: Get the Application
Visit the UIC Graduate College Emergency Grants page.
UIC states that it’s updating the application to reflect the new $1,000 maximum award.
Students should continue using the existing application in the meantime.
The official page includes the application form and submission instructions.
Step 2: Write Your Explanation
You’ll need a signed written statement explaining:
- What emergency occurred.
- When it happened.
- What unexpected expenses resulted.
- Why your circumstances warrant emergency assistance.
Be specific about the situation and the amount you’re requesting.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
You’ll also need documents that support your request.
Depending on the emergency, these may include:
- Medical bills or statements.
- Insurance documentation.
- Repair estimates or invoices.
- Other records showing the unexpected expense.
UIC requires supporting documentation so the Graduate College can evaluate the emergency and the amount requested.
Step 4: Combine Everything Into One PDF
Your completed application, signed statement, and supporting documents must be combined into one PDF file.
Make sure the application is fully completed and signed before submission.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Follow the Box submission instructions on the official emergency grant page.
UIC provides the application and a designated submission method.
The Graduate College may contact you if it needs additional information or clarification.
When Is the Application Deadline?
UIC doesn’t list one fixed annual deadline for this emergency grant.
Instead, you generally must apply during the academic term when the hardship occurred.
If the emergency happens at a time that makes applying during that term impractical, UIC allows applications to be submitted during the following term.
Because this is a term-based requirement, the relevant deadline depends on when your emergency happened.
If you’re unsure whether you’re still within the allowed application period, contact the Graduate College before submitting.
The program is listed on UIC’s official website, and the university provides application instructions. However, awards remain subject to available funding.
How and When Might You Receive the Money?
If your application is approved, UIC deposits the grant directly into the bank account you have registered through the university’s Direct Deposit system.
Payment timing varies.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents: UIC says approved students typically receive funds within two weeks.
Foreign nationals, nonresident aliens, and undocumented students: Payments may take up to six weeks.
These are typical processing estimates, not guaranteed payment dates.
UIC also explains that applicants are contacted by email if their application is incomplete or additional information is needed.
You shouldn’t assume that you’ll receive a separate approval notification.
If you need to check your application status, contact the Graduate College.
Additional Requirements for Some International Students
Nonresident aliens who aren’t employed on campus may need to submit substantial additional documentation to UIC Payroll.
The university provides a documentation checklist and instructions for securely sending confidential records through PEAR.
If this applies to you, review those instructions on the official emergency grant page before submitting sensitive information.
Could the Grant Affect Your Taxes or Financial Aid?
Yes, depending on your circumstances. This is an important detail to understand before accepting an award.
UIC states that emergency grant awards are reported on the student’s Form 1098-T.
The grant may be considered taxable income, depending on your individual circumstances.
UIC recommends consulting a tax professional to determine whether your award is taxable.
The grant may also affect your existing financial aid, including federal student loans.
If you’ve already received the maximum financial aid allowed for the academic year, receiving an emergency grant could reduce other assistance.
For questions about how an award may affect your financial aid, contact UIC’s Office of Student Financial Aid at money@uic.edu.
What Other Emergency Assistance Does UIC Offer?
If you don’t qualify for the Graduate College Emergency Grant, or you need help with other essential expenses, UIC lists several additional resources.
U&I Care Emergency Fund
This program may provide temporary emergency assistance to currently enrolled students experiencing unexpected hardships.
Awards typically don’t exceed $750, and assistance is determined case by case.
UIC United Faculty FAST Fund
UIC also lists the United Faculty FAST Fund, which may provide up to $500 in emergency cash assistance to eligible applicants.
U&I Care Meals
Students experiencing urgent food insecurity may qualify for a limited number of meals during the academic term.
This program serves undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
UIC Pop-Up Pantry
UIC’s Pop-Up Pantry offers food assistance to students struggling to afford groceries.
You can find information about these programs and their application links through the UIC Graduate College Emergency Grants page.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, and assistance depends on availability.
Who Can You Contact for Help?
For questions about the Graduate College Emergency Grant during the 2026–27 academic year, UIC directs students to:
Benn Williams
Email: bwilli7@uic.edu
You can also contact the Graduate College directly.
Phone: 312-413-2550
General email: gradservices@uic.edu
Address: 601 S. Morgan St., 606 UH, Chicago, IL 60607
If you have already submitted an application and need a status update, Benn Williams is the designated contact listed by UIC.
Relief Recap
A sudden emergency can create serious financial stress when you’re trying to finish a graduate degree.
The UIC Graduate College Emergency Grant may provide up to $1,000 to eligible graduate students facing acute, unexpected expenses.
To qualify, you generally must be a degree-seeking 2G graduate student enrolled in at least eight semester hours, or three during the summer, and apply during the term when the hardship occurred.
Approved awards don’t need to be repaid, but they may affect your taxes or financial aid.
UIC doesn’t publish a single annual application deadline, and funding is limited.
If you’re dealing with an unexpected emergency, visit the official UIC Graduate College Emergency Grants page to review the requirements and submit your application.
