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Student Emergency Fund

Spring enrolled students can complete a Basic Needs Intake form for consideration, beginning January 5th, 2026. Please give the Basic Needs Center 3-4 business days to respond to your request due to high volume of applications during the beginning of the semester.

Student emergency funds assist students in meeting financial needs as a result of an unexpected event or emergency. The purpose of this funds is to assist students in extenuating circumstances stay enrolled in college and progress toward graduation, while connecting students with resources that best meet their needs. We encourage students to explore additional resources available to them throughout the Basic Needs Center. 

Students MUST be enrolled in the current semester to receive resources. The application is currently open for Summer ONLY enrolled students. Due to the very high volume of application submissions, appointments and requests may take one to two weeks to process.

Basic Needs Intake Form

What can the emergency funds help address?

  • Housing costs or repairs 
  • Utilities - gas, phone, electric, water/trash
  • Medical Emergency expenses
  • Emergency automotive repairs due to car accidents within the last 6 months, car theft, loss of job, and/or reduction in work hours
  • Supplies for Learning - books and stationery 
  • DACA renewal fees
  • Emergency medical/dental/vision expenses

Post appointment: You will be contacted as soon as possible regarding the status of your application and/or request. 

The Basic Needs Center and Allan Hancock College is actively working on alternative means to help students meet their needs. Even if you do not meet all eligibility criteria for emergency funding, the Basic Needs Center will work with you one-on-one to connect you with available resources that can support you in your need.

APPLY FOR THE EMERGENCY FUND THROUGH THE BASIC NEEDS INTAKE FORM.
To ensure equitable distribution of emergency funds, all applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Not all students will receive emergency funds. 

The maximum award per semester is $500. 

Please note, emergency fund requests may be denied, partially funded, or fully funded.

We will also review applications on a case-by-case basis. You may receive additional financial support based on extenuating hardships and the availability of funds.

Eligibility:

  • Students must be enrolled in a credit or noncredit class
  • Students must be actively attending classes
  • For credit students: Complete a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application 

Other considerations:

  • Basic Needs staff may request academic reports or reach out to faculty about student academic program
  • Student's financial aid awards may impact students' eligibility for emergency funds
  • Students must be in good disciplinary standing at the College (not on probation or suspension)
  • Supporting documents may be requested in support of need

Alternative resources may be explored for those not eligible based on above criteria. 

TouchNet is AHC's new refund system for financial aid disbursements and emergency funds. TouchNet replaces BankMobile. 

Setting up your TouchNet:

1. Log in to your myHancock portal and go to Student Account Info
2. Click on Refunds, then select Refund Profile
3. You will be taken to your TouchNet portal. Click the Refunds tab and add your eRefund (bank account) information. 

For questions about TouchNet, visit Refunds or call Cashier Services at 805-922-6966 ext. 3270 or 3582.

Costs not covered by the emergency fund:

  • Cosmetic surgeries
  • Daily expected car maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires)
  • Fees for other colleges
  • Fees for parking permits, parking tickets, moving violations, traffic school, or expenses related to violation of regulations/laws 
  • General credit card debt – request needs to be tied to a specific unexpected or emergency cost
  • Reimbursements
  • Tuition & Fees

You will NOT need to pay back any emergency funds provided by the Basic Needs Office. 

Due to the high volume of requests, please allow for 1-2 weeks from the time of your request to receive funds if approved.

A representative from the Basic Needs Office will contact you within 72 business days of submission of your application for a brief interview and needs assessment. Please be aware that during the first 4 weeks of school, application processing does take longer due to high volume of applications received.

We encourage you to review other resources available on the Basic Needs Center website.