Financial Support

Request Information:

The Basic Needs Housing Support Grant program has been established to assist CSUSB students experiencing financial hardship in establishing and/or maintaining stable and safe housing. This grant provides eligible students with one-time financial assistance up to $1,500. 

Requests for Basic Needs Housing Support in Fall 2026 will be accepted beginning August 17, 2026, and will remain open based on funding availability throughout the semester.

This program is designed to help students with housing needs under the following categories:

• Eviction Avoidance: One-time assistance for students who are currently facing eviction due to non-payment.
• Relocation/Move-In Grant: One-time grant assistance for students experiencing homelessness and have located housing. This grant will support the cost of required security deposits and/or first month’s rent.
• Rent Assistance : Grant assistance to help students with a history of late rent payments due to financial hardship. Grant funds will be disbursed over a 3-month period to assist with a portion of students monthly rental expenses. Rental assistance grants will not exceed 50% of monthly rent payment.  

Eligibility Requirements:

Student applying during Summer 2026 must be enrolled in classes in order receive grant assistance.

Please note: Housing grant requests to assist with CSUSB University Housing costs or fees will not be considered by the Basic Needs & Student Support Center.

• Must be currently enrolled in 6 units or more at CSUSB. Enrollment is required for the semester the grant request is submitted and awarded. 
• Must be a matriculated CSUSB student enrolled in a degree program. 
  • Students attending CSUSB through the College of Extended and Global Education that have not been admitted to a degree program are not eligible.
• Must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) on file for the current academic year.
• Must have unmet financial need in Accordance with CSUSB Cost of Attendance.
• Must meet with a Basic Needs and Student Support team member to develop and implement a mutually agreed upon action plan to improve financial and housing sustainability.

Documentation Required:

Students will be required to provide one or more of the documents listed below. 

• Pay or quit notice
• Unlawful detainer notice
• Notice to vacate
• Other eviction notices from the landlord
• Proof of late rent payment rental history
• Copy of Rent Agreement
• Invoice for security deposit fees and/or first month rent
• Verification letter from homeless shelter or housing agency

Request Process Information:

Because this grant is a multi-step process, if a student's grant request is approved, funds may not be disbursed until 10-14 business days after their request has been received.

During Fall semester peak periods, typically August 17th to mid-September, if a student's grant request is approved, funds may not be disbursed until 15-20 business days after their request has been received.

Step One: Complete a Basic Needs Housing Support Request.

Step Two: Meet with a Basic Need Coordinator.

Step Three: Develop an individualized care plan with a coordinator.

Step Four: Set up direct deposit via your MyCoyote Student Portal.

Housing Support Request

The Basic Needs Grant Program was established to assist CSUSB students experiencing unexpected urgent financial challenges. This grant provides eligible students with one-time financial assistance up to $500 per academic year. Grant funds are intended to address temporary financial hardship and are not a replacement for financial aid for anticipated expenses associated with a student's cost of attendance. 

The Basic Needs Grant is sponsored by Basic Needs and Student Support, made possible through the generous support of donors, funding from the State of California, and philanthropic donations.

The Basic Needs Grant is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.

Citizenship status does not affect eligibility for this grant.

Requests for Basic Needs Grant support in Fall 2026 will be accepted until  December 11, 2026. 

Requirements:

• Must be a currently enrolled student. Enrollment is required during the semester the grant request is submitted and awarded.
• Students attending the university in none degree programs through the College of Extended Learning and Global Education (CEGE) are not eligible.
• Must be able to specifically document the nature of the urgent financial situation (supporting documentation required, e.g. car repair estimate, police reports, medical bills, utility disconnection notice, etc.)
• If requested, must meet with a Basic Needs Coordinator or CARE Case Manager to develop, and implement a mutually agreed upon action plan to improve financial sustainability.

Below are a few examples to assist you in determining if you may qualify for the Basic Needs Grant program.

• Unexpected economic challenges due to loss of income
• Past Due Utility Bills at risk of disconnection
• Illness or death in the immediate family
• Documented theft of books, laptop, or other essential academic tools
• Uninsured dental or medical expense
• Loss of Transportation, car accident or  car repairs (excluding routine vehicle maintenance) 

Examples of Expenses Not Eligible for the Basic Needs Grant:

• Expected or planned expenses:
  • Housing Costs 
  • CSUSB Housing Contract Balances
  • Tuition Balances
  • Required Textbooks and/or Software
  • DMV renewals
• Reimbursement for expenses all ready paid
• Legal representation
• Loss of income covered by unemployment benefits
• Credit Card or Student Loan Debt
• Parking or traffic tickets
• Entertainment, recreation, or other non-essential expense
• Expenses already submitted for funding through another grant program

Basic Needs Grant Request