Emergency Resources
In an emergency or crisis situation, UMKC aims to be a lifeline for its students in need. These resources can help students who have encountered unexpected financial obstacles to complete their academic requirements without major interruption.
Federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) Emergency Grant
APPLICATION CLOSED – Federal HEERF II funding was fully spent as of February 22, 2021. Students should consider applying to the Student Emergency Fund
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSAA) 2021, has provided an additional emergency financial aid grant for students called the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II). This grant may be used to assist students who have exceptional needs related to educational costs, food, housing, healthcare or childcare.
Eligibility Criteria
- Enrolled in the Spring 2021 term
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Priority to students with financial need
- Complete a Federal HEERF II Emergency Grant application
Award amounts will be determined based upon a student’s need as calculated by the 2020-2021 FAFSA. If there is not a FAFSA on file, the need eligibility will be determined based on the students grant application.
Students will have the option on the HEERF II application to indicate if they want the grant to apply to their student bill first, or be sent to them via check or direct deposit. Students will be notified via their UMKC email address if they are selected for a grant.
Total HEERF II funds received: $3,531,361
Total federal HEERF II funds awarded: $3,531,361
Number of students who received federal HEERF II grants: 2,662
Additional information regarding HEERF II reporting metrics is available here.
Last updated 2/22/2021
APPLICATION CLOSED – Federal HEERF II funding was fully spent as of February 22, 2021. Students should consider applying to the Student Emergency Fund
Student Emergency Fund
The UMKC Student Emergency Fund is available to support UMKC students that have an urgent need for temporary financial assistance. This funding is specifically to help fill a need that might prevent a student from continuing their degree program at UMKC. Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis and students who have exhausted all available federal and state aid resources will be considered for the award. Students can apply online through Academic Works.
Apply for Funding
Federal CARES Act Emergency Funds
APPLICATION CLOSED – Federal CARES Act funding was fully spent as of August 6th, 2020. Students should consider applying to the Student Emergency Fund
This federal program provides grants to students for expenses directly related to the disruption of their education due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The expenses you can request assistance for may include course materials and technology, food, housing and living expenses, health-care and child care costs, as well as other expenses related to the impact from COVID-19. You may not receive the full amount you request on the application as the Federal CARES Act emergency funding for the University of Missouri – Kansas City is a finite amount set by the Department of Education and we will have a large number of applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
- Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
- Completed a FAFSA. If you have not completed a FAFSA you can still do so online
- Was enrolled at the start of the Spring 2020 semester as a degree-seeking student in an on-campus/in-person program. Students enrolled only in a distance education or all-online program prior to March 13, 2020, are not eligible.
- Currently meeting Satisfactory Academic Requirement (SAP) Requirements
- Eligible for Title IV Federal Student Aid (international and DACA students are not eligible).
Based on the amount of funding and anticipated large number of applicants, you may not receive the full amount you request on your application. If you are awarded funding, it will come to you in the form of a grant that will be directly refunded to you. If you currently have a balance due on your student account, the emergency grant will not be applied toward your balance.
APPLICATION CLOSED – Federal CARES Act funding was fully spent as of August 6th, 2020. Students should consider applying to the Student Emergency Fund
UMKC acknowledges that it has signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the Department of Education and plans to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Total CARES Act funds received: $3,531,361
Total federal CARES Act funds awarded: $3,531,361
Number of students who received federal CARES Act grants: 2,442
Number of students eligible to participate in Title IV: 12,385
Additional information regarding CARES Act reporting metrics is available here.
UMKC Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report
Last updated 4/7/2021
Short-term Emergency Loans
UMKC offers Short-term Emergency Loans for students to help cover expenses during unexpected or emergency circumstances. These loans must be paid off by the end of the semester in which they are borrowed. The deadline for repayment related to COVID-19 circumstances will be the summer July 10th billing due date. For eligibility requirements and restrictions, view our Short-term Loan Policy. To apply or get more information, contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at finaid@umkc.edu or 816-235-1154.
Learn More
Kangaroo Food Pantry
The Kangaroo Food Pantry is an on-campus resource that provides assistance to members of the UMKC community dealing with food insecurity. In addition to filling physical food needs, the pantry also organizes the Kangaroo Pantry Meal Donation Program.
Get Help
If you have questions about these or other financial resources, please contact us at finaid@umkc.edu or 816-235-1154.