We realize that many of our students continue to face financial struggles as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic, and we continue to look for ways to help. We are pleased to provide you with information on a few additional financial resources which may provide needed funds to assist you through this difficult time.
Food Assistance:
Temporary changes have been made to allow more college students to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known in Michigan as the Food Assistance Program (FAP). College students who are attending half-time are potentially eligible if they meet one of the following exemptions.
- The student completed the FAFSA and has an EFC of $0.
- The student has completed the FAFSA and is eligible to work under the Federal Work-Study program (even if the student is not working).
Students with an EFC of $0 will be sent a letter (via email) from the U.S. Department of Education. Students who have an EFC less than 18,000 who have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, may qualify for Work-Study. To find out if you meet the eligibility for Work-Study, please submit a ticket (in the ticket, please state that you are requesting verification of eligibility for food assistance). If you are eligible, we will provide you with a letter which can be used as documentation of your eligibility through the application process. In addition to food assistance, students can apply for healthcare coverage, childcare, and additional emergency relief through the MIBridges program.
Please Note: in addition to qualifying for one of these exemptions, students must also meet other state eligibility requirements to qualify for FAP benefits.
Additional information and the application for the Food Assistance Program (FAP) are available at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Service.
Note: Non Michigan residents please visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory for a directory of local SNAP offices.
Internet and Laptop Assistance:
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for school. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
There are several ways to qualify for assistance, including students who receive a Pell Grant, households where someone receives free and reduced-price school lunch, households where someone experienced substantial loss of income, etc.
Visit the Affordable Connectivity Program website for complete details and the application.
Financial Aid Re-evaluation:
Students who have experienced a recent job loss or decrease of income, may qualify for additional financial aid. Visit our Financial Aid Re-Evaluation article for more details on this process.