Emergency Funds
Winston-Salem State University
Emergency Grant and Loans
WSSU provides limited emergency grants and loans to help students through unexpected financial crises, such as illness, family job loss, and delays in other types of funding, such as financial aid, paycheck, or military benefits.
The final date for Emergency Grants submissions for the Spring 2024 semester will be Friday, April 26, 2024.
Please check back for an update about when Emergency Grants will become available again after the first day of classes in the fall 2024 semester.
Application Guidelines
- Students may only access emergency funds one time during their total enrollment at Winston-Salem State University.
- Students must use their Winston-Salem State University email address to communicate with the Emergency Funding Team.
- All students are required to complete an in-person interview prior to submitting an application for emergency funds and must coordinate this meeting by emailing deanofstudents@wssu.edu.
- IMPORTANT: In order to enhance your financial literacy, we ask that you have a financial coaching session with Dr. Terrance Martin. You may do this prior to applying for an Emergency Grant or Loan or after the time of your application. You can contact him at martintk@wssu.edu or 336-825-5075 to schedule a FREE financial coaching session.
Covered Emergency Expenses
- Expenses for which emergency funds may be used include but are not limited to: past due rent, past due utility bills, car repair bills, past due car payments, past due car insurance/tag/registration fee, hospital/medical/doctor bills, essential educational supplies, etc. Items that are not emergencies will not be considered for funding. Each grant and loan may have additional requirements or restrictions, so please read each grant and loan application carefully.
- Documentation must be provided with your application for funding. Without documentation, your request will not be considered.
- Please read carefully each of the grant or loan opportunities, as some have specific requirements for eligibility.
Documentation Needed Examples:
- Lease agreement with the guardian or student's name on the lease.
- If the rental property has an electronic mechanism for payment, please provide your log-in information and password.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
Processing Time: Processing may take 5-10 business days depending on if the rental property is in our system.
Documentation Needed:
- Mortgage contract with the parent or guardian's name on the mortgage, or if the student owns the property their name should be listed.
- If the mortgage company has an electronic mechanism for payment, please provide your log-in information and password.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
- Processing Time: Mortgage processing will take possibly 5-10 days to process depending on if the property is in our system.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned copy of the daycare agreement and/or invoice.
- Parent name and child name must be visible on the document.
- We will need your log-in information and password to make an online payment.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned copy of the electricity bill, with the student's name or guardian's name visible.
- We will need your log-in information and password to make an online payment.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned copy of the gas bill, with the student's name or guardian's name visible.
- We will need your log-in information and password to make an online payment.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned copy of the water bill, with the student's name or guardian's name visible.
- We will need your log-in information and password to make an online payment.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned copy or a screen shot of the car payment, with the student's name visible.
- We will need your log-in information and password to make an online payment.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned copy or a screen shot of the auto insurance payment, with the student's name visible.
- We will need your log-in information and password to make an online payment.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned, itemized copy of the repair quote or invoice on the auto repair company's letterhead.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned copy of the medication needed and the phone number of the pharmacy for payment.
Documentation Needed:
- A scanned copy of the medical bill, with the student's name visible.
- We will need your log-in information and password to make an online payment.
- If electronic payment processes are not possible, a university check will be issued.
Upon completion of the interview, your transportation needs will be assessed.
Types of Funds Available
(maximum grant $500)
Eligible expenses:
Utilities, housing/rent, food, medical/dental, transportation and childcare
Ineligible expenses:
School expenses (parking, fines, tuition, books, supplies, required tools/equipment, etc.).
Prior balances owed to the school.
Student eligibility
Applicants for the Project Success grants must:
- Be enrolled part-time or full-time in bachelor’s degree program at the time of the aid request. The program does not extend to graduate students.
- Be enrolled during the semester in which emergency aid funds are awarded.
- Student must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0.
Application Process
Students must complete the Project Success Grant Online Application and upload supporting documentation of the financial need (i.e., required uninsured medical treatment, automotive repair estimate, documented notice of unexpected change in housing or utilities expense). Incomplete applications will not be processed immediately and will delay a decision. Funds are disbursed directly to the vendor. No funds are disbursed directly to the student.
(maximum grant $300)
The Brown Family Student Success Fund has been established for small financial obligations that may impact a student's ability to continue with their education, that while small, could make it impossible to meet obligations and distract student focus from their overall education.
- Unpaid parking tickets
- Car repairs
- Cap and gown fees
- Meal plan balances
- Conference registration fees
- Supplies for a school project or event
- Bus or transit passes
- Tuition and fees
- Applicants must be in good academic standing
- Applicants must be in good disciplinary standing
- Be an enrolled student in a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate program
- Demonstrate financial need of an emergency nature which can be met by this hardship fund
Please complete the Brown Family Student Success Fund Application and provide supporting documentation of the financial need. Incomplete applications or those without attached documentation will not be processed and will delay a decision. Funds are disbursed directly to the vendor. No funds are disbursed directly to the student. Applications and documentation must be submitted online through the online application.
(maximum loan amount $1,000)
- Emergency car repair needed to provide transportation to school (Must provide copy of car registration in the student’s or legal guardian’s name AND a written estimate for the cost of the repair on the repair shop’s letterhead. No handwritten letters will be accepted.)
- Bus pass for one month (no documentation required)
- Loss of personal property vital for school participation through fire or burglary (Must provide documentation from police or fire department and value of property)
- Utilities shut off due to loss of income or other payment methods besides financial aid. Note: This does not include cable TV or Internet service. (Must provide copy of shut-off notice)
- Imminent eviction due to loss of income or extenuating circumstances beyond your control (Must provide copy of eviction notice or court summons)
- Required books and educational supplies (Must provide written estimate from provider)
Ineligible expenses:
- Tuition and fees
- Prior balances owed to the school
- Bills owed to WSSU
Student Eligibility
- Be a full-time student in a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate program
- Not have any outstanding debt due to any previous loan or financial obligation due to the University.
- Demonstrate financial need of an emergency nature.
Application Process
Please complete the Hairston Emergency Loan Application and Promissory Note. Student must provide supporting documentation of the financial need (i.e., required uninsured medical treatment, book costs, automotive repair estimate, and documented notice of unexpected change in housing or utilities expense). Incomplete applications will not be processed immediately and will delay a decision. Funds are disbursed directly to the vendor. No funds are disbursed directly to the student.
