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 CARES Act Emergency Funds

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

1. Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
2. Completed a 2019-2020 FAFSA. If you have not completed a 2019-2020 FAFSA you can still do so online
3. 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.
4. Currently meeting Satisfactory Academic Requirement (SAP) Requirements
5. 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.

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.

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.

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.

If you have questions about these or other financial resources, please contact us at finaid@umkc.edu or 816-235-1154.