The ACC Student Emergency Fund (SEF) can help you stay focused with a short term financial assistance payment. If you have an unexpected financial emergency that affects your classroom responsibilities and impacts your ability to meet your basic needs, SEF may be able to help. Learn more about mental health counseling services at ACC.
Eligibility Requirements
- Student Emergency Fund applicants must be attending classes at the time of request
- Student Emergency Fund applicants must have proof or documentation of an unexpected event or emergency
- Continuing Education students may apply if participating in one of these HB8 programs
- Students in Adult Education are not eligible at this time.
| Eligible Expenses | Non-Eligible Expenses |
|---|---|
| Housing (may include rent, utilities and internet/Wi-Fi access) | Medical debt |
| Health care, (includes prescription medication, vision correction, emergency dental care) | Tuition |
| Transportation (Includes car repairs) | Reimbursements for any expenses that have already been paid |
| Academic technology and materials (computers, calculators, software,) |
Student Emergency Fund (SEF) Guidelines
- The maximum award is $1,000 per academic year (fall, spring, and summer)
- Students can apply for, and receive funds, only once per semester
- The total requested amount cannot exceed $1,000
- Students must be enrolled and attending classes to apply
- Students may submit SEF requests after the 12th class day of any long semester
- SEF may close before the end of each semester depending on available funds
- SEF will not be available during intersession periods
- SEF does not reimburse expenses already paid
Faculty and Staff: If you would like a CARE Coordinator to reach out to a student about services, please complete this referral form.
How to apply for the Student Emergency Fund
Step 1: Complete the support request here:
**If you are unable to complete the request, please email [email protected].
Step 2: Check your ACCMail account to secure an appointment with a CARE Coordinator.
Step 3: Meet with your CARE Coordinator (virtually or in person). The coordinator will discuss with you how best to meet your short term needs. Not all requests will be approved for emergency aid. Students must be willing to engage in alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Student Emergency Fund?
The Student Emergency Fund (SEF) provides short-term financial help for students facing an unexpected emergency so that you can focus on continuing your education.
SEF may help with unexpected expenses related to housing/rent, utilities, transportation, health-related needs, or academic technology needs. Each request is reviewed individually.
All actively enrolled students attending classes at ACC qualify to apply. Continuing Education students in eligible HB8 programs are also eligible to apply. Adult Education students are not eligible for SEF at this time.
You may make a SEF request after the 12th class day of any long semester, once the college has received the enrolled student head count. SEF may close before the semester ends depending on available funding.
You may receive up to $1,000 total per academic year. The academic year includes fall, spring, and summer semesters.
You may apply once per semester, as long as you are enrolled, attending classes, and have not reached the $1,000 yearly maximum.
No. SEF funding is limited, and not every request can be approved. Even if you are eligible to apply, approval depends on your situation, available funding, and whether SEF is the best fit for your needs.
What do I need before I apply?
You should be ready to explain your emergency and provide documentation. This could include a bill, notice, repair estimate, invoice, or other proof of the unexpected expense.
Submit a support request through ACC’s SEF application page. After you apply, check your ACCmail for next steps. You may be asked to meet with a CARE Coordinator, either virtually or in person, to talk through your situation and possible support options.
A CARE Coordinator will review your request and may contact you for more information. They will talk with you about your emergency, your current needs, and possible resources. Submitting a request does not guarantee that funding will be approved.
Will SEF affect my financial aid?
No. Receiving emergency aid from SEF will not change your financial aid package.
What if I need more than $1,000?
A CARE Coordinator can work with you one-on-one to look for other funding options, ACC resources, or community support programs.
Why wasn’t my request approved?
Every request is reviewed individually. A request may not be approved because of the type of expense, available funding, missing documentation, timing, or because another resource may be a better fit.
Why can’t SEF reimburse something I already paid for?
SEF is designed to help with active emergencies. If a bill has already been paid, the urgent need is considered resolved, so SEF cannot reimburse expenses you have already covered.