Emergency Funding
Expenses Covered
- Medical
- Transportation
- Child care
- Housing
- Utilities (i.e., gas, electric, internet bill)
Expenses Not Covered
- Tuition, textbooks, or student fees
- Alcohol, tobacco or entertainment
- Groceries
- Legal services or legal violations
- Car or insurance payment or gas costs
Eligibility
- Be a degree or credential program student
- Be enrolled at least six credits
- Be in good academic standing
- Reside in the Madison College district
- Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
Note: If you have submitted the 2024-25 FAFSA, you must be considered eligible for the Pell grant.
Funding Amount
You may receive up to $500 for the academic year.
If you do not receive the full $500 upon your first request, you may receive additional support if funding is available.
You must complete one of the four Wolfie's Wallet courses in Blackboard before additional support can be provided.
How Are Funds Disbursed?
In some instances, emergency funding must be sent directly to a third party (your child care provider, landlord, utility provider, etc.) instead of to you. We can send payments electronically or via paper check. Allow 7-10 business days for a mailed check to arrive.
Emergency Funding is closed for Fall 2024
Support for Spring 2025 enrollees will be available beginning January 21, 2025. You can find additional support services through 211 Wisconsin and United Way.
You can also apply for financial aid to receive support for housing, food, tuition, books and supplies. Visit studentaid.gov or attend a FAFSA workshop to get dedicated support from a Financial Aid team member.
Documentation Examples
Required documentation varies based on your need. All documents should be current and include your name. Full lease, rent or mortgage agreements should not be expired. Past due utility bills must align with the month for which you are applying for support. For example, if you apply for support in October, you cannot use a bill from August. You should use the October bill that indicates your balance is past due. Other examples are listed below.
Medical
Chou fell during the weekend and broke her leg. She get's the bill and is short $500. She applies for emergency funding and uploads a copy of the billing statement. If approved, an electronic payment or paper check is then sent directly to the medical provider on Chou's behalf.
Transportation
Patrick is driving to school and his tire blows. He spent all his money on groceries and does not have money to buy a new tire. Patrick contacts Tires Plus and they provide him with an estimate for $256.00 to replace his tire. He completes the emergency assistance form and uploads the estimate from Tires Plus addressed to him for support. If approved, an electronic payment or paper check is sent directly to Tires Plus on Patrick's behalf.
Child care
Anastasia receives a bill from her child care provider that her rate increased this week. The increase totals $300.00 more than what was budgeted, and funding is tight for her household. She completes the emergency assistance form and uploads the bill she received from the child care provider. If approved, an electronic payment or paper check is sent directly to the child care provide on Anastasia's behalf.
Housing
Roberto is past due on his rent and is facing eviction. He is short $500.00 and is requesting emergency funding to assist him. He completes the emergency assistance form and uploads a copy of his current rent or lease agreement along with a written notice from the property manager indicating how much rent is past due. (An eviction notice is also acceptable.) If approved, an electronic payment or paper check is sent directly to the landlord on Roberto's behalf.
Utilities
Asha is taking all online courses. Last month, they had an emergency causing them to use money budgeted for the electric and internet bills. Today Asha received a past due bill with a notification that service will be disconnected unless the bill is paid by the 30th. They apply for emergency assistance, uploading a copy of the past due bill. If approved, an electronic payment or paper check is sent directly to the utility company on Asha's behalf.
Contact the Emergency Funding Team at emergencyfunding@madisoncollege.edu if you have questions.