Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance

Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance

The Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance Fund provides short-term financial assistance of up to $2,000 per incident to enrolled students with demonstrated financial need who experience unforeseen emergencies that could disrupt their academic progress or degree completion. Emergency funds are for unexpected financial emergencies and may not be used for tuition and fees. Students may apply for emergency funding no more than once per academic year.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The student must have experienced an unexpected financial emergency that threatens their enrollment and success at NOVA.
  • Documentation must be provided that clearly justifies the amount requested.
  • If the emergency is the result of a job loss, the student is encouraged to submit an income appeal to NOVA’s Financial Aid Office and have it evaluated before applying for emergency assistance funds.
  • The student must be enrolled in and currently attending at least one eligible credit at the time the emergency assistance application is submitted and reviewed.
  • The student must be meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards or have a SAP appeal approved.
  • The student must have completed the financial aid application process at NOVA, which includes either:
  • The student must have completed high school or the equivalent and be eligible to receive Virginia Student Financial Assistance, which includes being eligible for in-state tuition.
  • The student must demonstrate financial need.
  • All offered grants and scholarships must be accepted.

Direct Deposit for Faster Refunds

Students are encouraged to set up direct deposit as their NOVA refund preference. This ensures funds are received as quickly as possible if their application is approved. If direct deposit is not set up, a refund check will be sent to the mailing address listed in the myNOVA Student Information System (SIS).

Application Process

Notification and Review

  • Students will be notified via their student email once the committee has reviewed their application.
  • Please allow up to five business days to receive a response.

Final Decisions

  • The committee’s decisions are final, so students should include all relevant information and supporting documentation with their application.
  • Only one application is permitted per academic year.