SAFE Funds

• An unexpected loss of job or income
• A medical or dental emergency
• Victim of a crime or accident
• Move-in assistance (note: this fund does not cover security deposit)
• Past due rent Utility bill assistance
• Transportation (vehicle payment, vehicle repair)
• Childcare

• Expenses that are more than the monthly budget/income 
• Delay in receiving financial aid or student who did not apply for financial aid when eligible
• Expenses that are burdensome, but do not threaten students' ability to stay in school or pay for necessities
• Debts, late fees/penalties and interest on past-due bills
• Fines, restitution, owed from criminal or civil court cases; back child support
• Involved in an auto accident while uninsured

• Must have a temporary financial hardship resulting from a sudden event 
• Must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial hardship (medical bill, eviction notice, utility/rent invoice, car invoice, etc.)
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 units in the current semester and the next semester 
• Must have an action plan with a Basic Needs Case Manager

The committee consists of 6 voting members that will determine approval for applications. Applications will be approved with a majority vote. In the event that not all members are present, a majority vote will suffice.  At least 3 members are needed to make a majority vote. 

Committee members include:

• Dean of Health and Wellbeing (chair) 
• Director of Basic Needs (co-chair)
• Associate Dean Financial Aid (financial aid advisor)
• Director of Special Programs (verification of enrollment status)
• Case Management Coordinator (coordinator)
• SMC Foundation Accounting Manager (foundation financial advisor)
• Case manager (case presenter, non-voting member)

• Student requests will be brought forward by the Basic Needs Case Manager they have been working with
• Upon receiving the funds, the student will be provided with information on Student Lingo and other financial planning resources to learn more about budgeting, as well as given other referrals where appropriate (career counseling, community agencies, etc.)
• Payment will be made directly to the vendor by SMC Foundation. A release of information will be received in instances where communication between parties is necessary

• The first step in applying is setting up a meeting with a Basic Needs Counselor. 
• The purpose of the initial meeting is to become more familiar with your situation, connect you with additional resources based on your situation, as well as collect information to assess eligibility of services that you are requesting
• Once your initial meeting is complete and eligibility for the fund has been determined, your application will be submitted for review by the Basic Needs Emergency Relief Committee
• As long as all requested documentation is received, it takes 7-10 business days for students to hear back on the outcome of their request *If you receive preliminary approval, you will be asked for supplemental documentation such as a signed lease agreement, the vendor’s IRS Form W-9, an itemized invoice, etc. Note if documentation is not received, the request cannot be fulfilled.
• You will be contacted by your Basic Needs Case manager via email about the status of your grant once the committee has received your application.