Student Emergency Aid Fund

If you are enrolled at HFC and are facing an emergency financial situation where a modest amount of money could help, you may apply for a grant from this fund.

What is the Student Emergency Aid Fund?

Being in a financial crisis is stressful. Our team at Henry Ford College knows that you might face unexpected emergencies and expenses while you are enrolled at the College. Our Student Emergency Aid Fund can help keep you on track to reach your goals and stay in school.

The Student Emergency Aid Fund is intended to help with short-term, immediate, emergency needs. Awards are usually $500 or less. Additional funding could be approved for specific, documented circumstances. All requests are considered on an individual basis, depending on the specifics of your circumstances.

Apply here for Student Emergency Aid Funds

Am I eligible to apply for the Student Emergency Aid Fund?

You are eligible to apply for the Student Emergency Aid Fund if you:

  • Are enrolled at HFC in good standing and attending class when you make your request (and when it is approved).
  • Fully complete the Student Emergency Aid Fund application (see above).
  • Submit any necessary supporting documentation of your need. Requests for documentation are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Also: While the FAFSA is not required, we strongly encourage you to submit the FAFSA. There are different types of emergency aid, and some do require you to have a FAFSA on file. Completing the FAFSA might give you access to different types of emergency aid.

What types of emergencies can be funded by the Student Emergency Aid Fund?

The Student Emergency Aid Fund can be used for expenses such as:

  • Unanticipated car repairs or transportation issues
  • Family emergencies
  • Unanticipated loss of a job
  • Unanticipated homelessness
  • Utilities shut-off notice
  • Food insecurity (not having access to enough food)
  • Tuition (limited support for tuition is available only if you are in your final semester at HFC or you are within 6 credit hours of completing your degree)
  • Other types of emergencies that might prevent you from successfully completing your current educational goals.

How long will it take for me to receive funds after I apply for the Student Emergency Aid Fund?

We understand that emergencies are urgent. We will review your application as soon as we receive it. You can expect to hear back from us within 2 to 3 business days.

Please be sure to provide an accurate phone number and email address where you can be reached. If you do not hear back within 3 days after applying for funds, contact the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs, Patti Flogaus, at pflogaus@hfcc.edu.

Please note that applying for the Student Emergency Aid Fund does not guarantee that you will receive money. The more information you can provide about your emergency situation, the better we will understand your needs. Please DO NOT include private information such as intimate health details, the names of minor children, financial account numbers, or similar private details.

All Student Emergency Aid Fund grants are one-time grants, based on your specific emergency circumstances.

Will the Student Emergency Aid Funds affect my financial aid?

It depends, and we will determine this before awarding emergency aid.

There are instances where the awarding of emergency aid would impact your financial aid award. It is not uncommon to reduce Federal Work Study or Pending loan awards to add emergency aid.

We look at each student on a case-by-case basis and would not award emergency aid if it would result any anything negative related to your financial aid.

If you do receive emergency aid, you may be required to disclose the Emergency Aid Funds on your tax return. We recommend you consult with a tax professional about this. You may contact Michigan Free Tax Help (or call 211) or other services for free assistance with your tax return.

Can I apply for the Student Emergency Aid Fund more than once?

All Student Emergency Aid Fund grants are one-time grants, based on your specific emergency circumstances.

However, you are permitted to apply for more than one emergency aid grant if you have new emergency circumstances. We will require documentation for all funds requested, and you will be limited to no more than one emergency aid grant per HFC semester in which you are enrolled.

Please review the eligibility criteria on this page before you apply for a grant from the Student Emergency Aid Fund.

If you are under stress, do not hesitate to ask for other kinds of help.

Some of the ways we can help you at no charge:

Let us know if you have needs not mentioned here. We will try to help, or refer you to someone who can help.

How can I donate to the Student Emergency Aid Fund to assist students?

To donate to this fund, go to the secure HFC Foundation giving webpage and designate a gift of any amount to this fund.

The Women's Recognition Luncheon, held in March each year, is a fundraiser to support the Student Emergency Aid Fund.

Questions about the Student Emergency Fund or the application process?

Email: ea@hfcc.edu