Emergency Funds

students walking on campus, silhouetted against a blue sky.

Unanticipated circumstances can prevent students from continuing their education and achieving academic success. UB has unique resources to connect students to emergency funding. 

On this page:

What are Emergency Funds?

Student emergency funds at the University at Buffalo seek to award grants to eligible students who are experiencing an unforeseen hardship that could impact their ability to remain enrolled in school. Temporary financial assistance is available for immediate and current emergency situations. Examples of qualifying emergency situations include:

  • Death in the family
  • Victim of a crime or accident
  • Loss of property or income

The student emergency funds are designated to offset short-term financial need and are not intended to replace or supplement financial aid or scholarship. All situations are unique and will be evaluated carefully and confidentially.

Response Time

Response time may vary depending on which option you choose. The Dean of Students Office will respond to all completed applications within 3-5 business days.

Crossing the Finish Line

Support the Student Emergency Funds

UB Student Emergency Funds are supported in part by the UB Fund for Student Life and by generous individual donors and private foundations. Your contribution can help a student in need persist towards graduation. Donate Today!

Eligible Expenses

Grants can be used for a variety of expenses that are necessary to support a student’s well-being. Examples of eligible expenses include:

  • Off-Campus Rent
  • Utilities
  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Medical care
  • Child care
Ineligible Expenses

Examples of ineligible expenses include Student Account charges (tuition, University fees, meal plan, residence hall rent, etc.) parking tickets or credit card debt.

Emergency Fund Options

Each fund has a unique application and set of criteria. Students should review emergency fund options and may apply to one fund that best meets their need.

Some academic units have applications for students studying within their programs. If your primary degree program is within one of the below-listed areas, utilize your school-specific resource:

Emergency funds are also available for students studying at UB from outside the United States:

Students who do not meet the criteria for one of the above-referenced applications may consider the Student Life Emergency Fund. Portions of the Student Life Emergency Fund are designated for students studying within the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Architecture and Planning, the School of Management, the School of Public Health and Health Professions, and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

The Student Life Emergency Fund is also partially supported by the UB Fund for Student Life, the Random Acts of Kindness endowment and by generous individual donors and private foundations.

Support Emergency Funds

Your contribution can help a student in need persist towards graduation. Donate Today

2023 Tax Information

Some students who received emergency funds during 2023 should anticipate receiving a tax form from University at Buffalo Foundation, Inc.

  • Students who are U.S. citizens and received funds in an amount over $600 will receive a 1099 tax form that was mailed on January 23, 2024.
  • Students who are non-resident aliens will receive a 1042 tax form that was mailed on March 15, 2024.

Additional Resources

Need Help?

University at Buffalo
315 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-2982; Fax: (716) 645-2260