HGSE Student Emergency Fund

Eligibility

Applicants for emergency funding must be currently enrolled in one of the following HGSE programs: Residential Master’s; Online Master’s; Certificate in Advanced Study in Counseling; and, Ed.L.D.

Students on a leave of absence or who are currently enrolled at another Harvard school are ineligible.

The Student Emergency Fund may be used to support students experiencing sudden hardship or extenuating circumstances.

Emergency funding would generally be allowable in the following circumstances, including but not limited to:

  • Emergency travel related to a critically ill immediate family member or family crisis (parent, sibling, or child of student).
  • Short-term childcare or dependent care needs arising from an unexpected change in circumstances.
  • Replacement or urgent repair of essential academic technology.
  • Unanticipated health care or mental health expenses not fully covered by insurance.
  • Food insecurity or basic needs resulting from unexpected income loss or interruption.
  • Temporary housing or safety-related expenses due to sudden housing insecurity or unsafe living conditions.

The fund should not be used to cover routine, recurring, or anticipated costs that are already included in the standard student budget, such as regular rent, ordinary living expenses, tuition, fees, or planned academic costs. The list above is not exhaustive of all situations for which a student may seek financial assistance.

The following situations would typically not be eligible:

  • Expected tuition and fees and standard living expenses
  • Expenses from prior academic years · medical expenses covered by the Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) incurred by students who opted to waive HUSHP coverage and use an outside health insurance plan
  • Routine and preventative medical and dental procedures (e.g., check-ups, teeth cleaning, etc.)
  • Copays associated with routine or recurring health care expenses
  • Medical, dental, or other expenses incurred by family members
  • Relocation expenses
  • Replacement of old or broken technology
  • Personal automobile repairs

Application Process

To apply for HGSE Student Emergency funding, students should fully complete and submit the HGSE Student Emergency Fund application form.

Upon initial review, further documentation may be requested. Submitting an incomplete application may lead to a delay in the review of a student’s request.

Complete the Fund Application Form

Additional Resources

Other options are available to students experiencing financial hardship:

  • For circumstances that may not qualify for emergency grant funding, student loans may be an option. The HGSE Financial Aid Office can provide additional information.
  • All registered Harvard students who are enrolled in both the Harvard University Student Health Insurance Plan and the Harvard University Student Health Fee may qualify for financial assistance to help cover the cost of medically necessary health care that is not covered by insurance. Students may contact the Patient Advocate for more information. 
  • The HGSE Crimson Cupboard is a selection of food items available to students. The cupboard is located in the Office of Student Affairs, on the second floor of the Gutman library. The cupboard is typically stocked with pasta, tomato sauce, beans, rice, soup, crackers, cereal, and canned protein. 
  • Wellthy provides HGSE students with emergency backup care for those “uh-oh” moments. HGSE provides students with 10 backup care days per fiscal year. HGSE largely subsidizes the cost of backup care up to $250 per day. You are responsible for a $25 copayment per backup care day and any costs that exceed the subsidized amount provided by HGSE.

There may be various welfare, social service, and public benefit programs available at the state level. Students are encouraged to consider these potential sources of assistance to help with personal circumstances that may arise.