The Student Health Emergency Fund exists to assist Case Western Reserve University students and postdocs who are facing financial hardship due to an unforeseen health-related financial emergency or event.
These funds are not intended to be used for routine medical expenses or as a consistent supplement to a student’s or postdoc’s funding sources. Requests must be urgent in nature.
These funds are not meant to cover costs typically addressed by financial aid. This funding is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid and does not have to be repaid. Normally individuals are not eligible for emergency funding more than once in a year. Upon review, the fund may not be able to cover all expenses, and in these cases UH&CS may work with applicants to identify other available resources and/or alternative solutions to their needs. Funds awarded will generally not exceed $1,000 per request, but unique and unusual circumstances may be considered.
Priority will be given to students and postdocs whose tenure at CWRU may be at risk because of unexpected health expenses. The number of students and postdocs who can be served by the Student Health Emergency Fund is subject to the availability of funds.
Types of Expenses Covered
Include but are not limited to:
- Costs related to emergency medical or mental health care, including medications
- Necessary and critical medical or mental health care not covered by insurance
- Emergency medical treatment/medication when the student has no ability to pay and the costs cannot be covered by insurance
- Urgent travel costs for a medical, mental health or social service reason
Expenses not covered
Include but are not limited to:
- Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs
- Parking tickets and other fines
- Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses
- Expenses that could be anticipated and other non-emergency related expenses
Eligibility
- Applicants must be degree-seeking students or scholar/fellows at CWRU.
- Applicants should be currently enrolled or currently engaged in postdoctoral training, and be in good standing or show evidence of recent satisfactory progress at the university during the term when the emergency funds would be applied.
- Applicants must have a financial hardship relating to a health event.
- Other resources, including Student Financial Aid must have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner. UH&CS may work with applicants to identify other available resources and/or alternative solutions to their needs.
- Generally a maximum of one award will be given within a year to any one applicant. However, extenuating circumstances will be considered for applicants who may require additional assistance.
Award Procedures
- Applicants must submit an application and supporting documentation to University Health and Counseling Services though myhealthconnect.case.edu. University Health and Counseling Services will follow up with a phone call to gather more specific information regarding the request.
- Funds awarded will generally not exceed $1,000 per request, but unique circumstances may be considered upon the review of the applications. All requests and awards will remain confidential.
- When possible, the university will work with applicants to provide payment for such awards. However, applicants may also pay and may be reimbursed for the expenses. In this case, applicants must provide receipts and/or documentation for payment or reimbursement not later than 10 days after funds have been disbursed.
* Please note that while you do not need to repay this financial award, it may be considered as taxable income and be subject to federal tax regulations.
To submit an application:
- Log into myhealthconnect.case.edu and select “Send or Read a Secure Message”
- Click “New Message”
- Click “I want to submit an application for the Student Health Emergency Fund”