Overview
The End Student Housing Insecurity (ESHI) Student Basic Needs Assistance Fund is made possible through the End Student Housing Insecurity grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education for the academic year 2024-2025.
This fund is intended to provide temporary relief to support students in addressing housing insecurity and essential expenses such as rent, utility bills, off-campus housing/shelter and other critical basic needs.
Funds will be available only during the academic year 2024-2025 and until funds are exhausted. Please note that tuition and fees are not eligible expenses for this fund.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and decisions are typically communicated within 5-7 business days. Urgent cases may be expedited based on the nature of the emergency. Awards typically range from $100 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the situation and available funding. Funds are disbursed one-time only and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants may be asked to meet with a staff member in Student Affairs to discuss their application and connect with additional resources.
For information or questions on the application please contact Student Affairs at (773) 442-4600 or student-affairs@neiu.edu.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for assistance, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled at NEIU at least half-time and attending the semester in which the funds are being requested.
- Must demonstrate barriers to access basic student needs (e.g., limited course materials, utilities, transportation, death-related expenses, medical/health, etc.).
- Must demonstrate inability to maintain a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence as per the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness.
- Housing expenses at The Nest will only be considered for students receiving services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and/or students under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Justifications for Denial
An application may be denied or returned for update for the following reasons:
- Incomplete application
- Not enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at NEIU for the semester in which the request is made
- Requested assistance for an ineligible expense (i.e. tuition and mandatory general fees, credit card payments, etc.).
- No barriers to accessing basic student needs identified
Covered Expenses
Limited Course Materials
- Items needed for coursework that are not included in the NEIU textbook rental program.
- Course materials could include goggles, lab manuals, lab coats and similar items.
Utilities
- Utilities being disconnected (phone bills are not considered a utility).
Transportation
- Aid for costly repairs only when a car is necessary for employment and commuting to school. (Aid does not include car payments, insurance premiums, taxes or routine maintenance and repair charges.)
Deaths
- Travel expenses related to the death of an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, legal guardian, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, etc.).
Medical
- Assistance for recent medical emergencies not reimbursable by insurance or where insurance coverage does not apply.
Other
- Expenses pending approval with a detailed explanation and supporting documentation.
Distribution of Funds
NEIU will ensure that processes used for the distribution of awarded funds do not have any impact on the student’s financial aid packages. Payment may not be distributed directly to the student, NEIU will navigate other payment options (e.g., third party/vendor payments).
To ensure that funds are used for the intended purpose, students will be asked to provide proof of payment.
Confidentiality
All applications and associated information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared with NEIU staff directly involved in the decision-making process.
NEIU students seeking financial support must complete this one-time assistance application.
Please make sure to be logged into your NMail account.
