COVID-19 Service & Support Updates

We in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office and Cal Student Central (CSC) are coordinating our efforts to support you and your ability to access services while also offering some strategies you may find useful during ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) developments.

Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, we want to express our continued commitment to your well-being and our dedication to your success while attending Berkeley. We will be working daily to ensure there is readily available support for all students, especially those in need.

Update on COVID-19 relief funding

Beginning in Fall 2022, many government programs for relief funding that were available during the pandemic, including Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) and California Emergency Funding, will no longer be available as a resource to students. We are mindful that the change in funding may impact your basic needs. We are here to help.

What you can do

Submit a Financial Aid Application

Filing a financial aid application – either a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) – can provide an important backup option for both undergraduate and graduate students to cover your costs and determine eligibility for other campus financial resources. The priority deadline is early Spring. We encourage you to have one on file in the event of future need. Learn about how to apply for aid.

Submit an Expected Family Contribution Appeal

If you or your family has experienced a loss of income as a result of COVID-19, we are here to support you so that a change in your family’s financial circumstances does not become a roadblock to your ability to pay for school. Visit the Appeals and Special Circumstances page to learn about the process and review submission deadlines. Before submitting an appeal, please review our Expected Family Contribution flyer to see if this is the right step for you.

Reach out to the Basic Needs Center 

For additional support around your basic needs including food, housing and financial needs, please visit the UC Berkeley Basic Needs Center website or fill out a Basic Needs Assistance Form for support from a BNC team member. The Basic Needs Center acts as a central hub to support students in their journey to access essential services that impact health, belonging, and overall well-being. All enrolled students including undergraduate, graduate, international and undocumented students are eligible for support through the Basic Needs Center. Core services include

  • Food pantry: emergency food resources
  • CalFresh: long-term food assistance program
  • Emergency housing: short-term housing
  • Basic Needs Holistic Fund: emergency financial assistance for students with limited financial resources

Apply for a short-term emergency loan

Apply for a short-term, interest-free emergency loan via CalCentral if you are experiencing hardship and select the EFT (direct deposit) option. Visit the Short Term Emergency Loan page for more information about Emergency Loans including availability dates.

Apply for Emergency Broadband Benefits

Apply for Emergency Broadband Benefits to receive substantially subsidized broadband service. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices. The program will help students from eligible households (including those with a Pell Grant recipient) to receive subsidized broadband service and devices. Learn more about the application and verification process.

Consult with Cal Student Central

CSC is also providing online and phone advising for financial aid, registration and billing inquiries. Please call and visit our Services & Areas of Support page for all available service options.