Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance

Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance

The Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance Fund provides short-term financial assistance up to a maximum of $2,000 per incident to enrolled students with demonstrated financial need who experience unforeseen emergencies that would 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 when an 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.  This includes completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if eligible to do so or completing the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application and submitting all requested documentation. 
  • 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.

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) if the application is approved.

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.

The committee’s decisions are final.  Students should include all relevant information and supporting documentation they wish to be considered. Only one application is permitted per academic year.