Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance Fund

November 26, 2024 / Our Nighthawks

Students who have experienced an unexpected financial emergency now have another option for emergency assistance. In addition to the Student Success Fund that is managed by NOVA’s Office of Financial Stability and Advocacy, students now have access to the Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance Fund, which will be managed by the Financial Aid Office. 

The Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance Fund was established by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and provides up to $2,000 per incident to enrolled students with demonstrated financial need who experience unforeseen emergencies that would disrupt their academic progress or degree completion.  Unlike the Student Success Fund, this program is only available to students who are eligible for Virginia Student Financial Assistance, which includes being eligible for in-state tuition.

Students may apply for Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance no more than once per academic year and the funding cannot be used for tuition and fees. 

Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance Eligibility Requirements:

  • The student must have experienced an unexpected financial emergency that threatens their enrollment and success at NOVA. 
  • Documentation must be provided that clearly justifies the amount requested.
  • If the emergency is the result of a job loss, the student is encouraged to submit an income appeal to NOVA’s Financial Aid Office and have it evaluated before applying for emergency assistance.
  • The student must be enrolled in and currently attending at least one eligible credit when an emergency assistance application is submitted and reviewed.
  • The student must be meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards or have an SAP appeal approved.
  • The student must have completed the financial aid application process at NOVA. This includes completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if eligible to do so or completing the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application and submitting all requested documentation. 
  • The student must have completed high school or the equivalent and be eligible to receive Virginia Student Financial Assistance, which includes being eligible for in-state tuition.
  • The student must demonstrate financial need.
  • All offered grants and scholarships must be accepted.

If eligible to apply, students may submit the Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance application here. 

Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements will not have access to apply, but they may contact the Financial Aid Office and the Office of Financial Stability and Advocacy to discuss other available resources.

More information on the Virginia Commonwealth Emergency Assistance Fund here.

Submitted by:
Clint Young, Financial Aid, JCYoung@nvcc.edu