Student Emergency Fund

Who is eligible for a Microgrant?

• Student must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking Ohio University student in the semester in which the funds are being requested with at least half-time to full-time credit hours (6-12 hours).
• Applicants must have an immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident.
• The expense must be unexpected, unforeseen, and the urgent nature unavoidable.
• All students including international, DACA, online, regional campus, etc. are eligible to apply.
• Student must have a proven record of academic progress verified by earned credits, GPA and good academic standing. 
• Student has a FASFA on file with the Financial Aid Office or willing to complete one (if able).
• Student has exhausted all possible other financial resources, including student loans, Medicaid, personal financial accounts, etc. 
  • Unwillingness to take out student loans does not constitute a financial hardship.  Student loans are considered as available funding. Please review this resource document and utilize all eligible resources included in that document before applying for an EMG.  Your application should outline all resources you have exhausted before applying for an EMG.
• Student must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial need (e.g. billing statements, receipts, repair estimates, etc.)

How can I apply for a microgrant if I am eligible?

A student can be considered for an Emergency Microgrant by filling out an online application. The online application is confidential but does require disclosure for verification of information. For questions about the process, email kim.rouse@ohio.edu.

Applications are reviewed weekly by a team of university professionals. The decision of the awarding of the grants will happen on a rolling basis. If students have a firm date for needed assistance, they should include that in the application. If the application is approved, the student will receive an email to their OHIO account.

Awarded students will have the money deposited in their bank account. If they do not have direct deposit, they should sign up at the time of application (set up direct deposit). If students do not have a bank account, talk with the DOS assistant dean to explore other options. 

The assistant dean of students will complete the Direct Student Payment Release form and return it to the Office of the Bursar. The Emergency Microgrant is considered a direct payment scholarship through the Bursar. Payments by direct deposit are processed the next business day. Checks are issued on Thursdays and will be mailed to the student’s local address. This scholarship will be reported on the IRS Form 1098-T and is considered a resource when determining overall eligibility for student financial aid.

International Students

14% of the awarded amount may be deducted for income tax withholding. Assessment is based on the student’s residency status for tax purposes and provisions of any tax treaty between the U.S. and the student’s country of residence.