Emergency Aid

If you are an active Chi-Rise Scholar in college who is facing financial difficulties that may impact your enrollment in school, you are eligible for emergency aid! This aid acts as a reimbursement for an financial obstacle that may come your way. 

As of 01/15/2026, Chi-Rise's Emergency Aid application is OPEN.

When does the emergency aid application open? 

Fall Semester 2025

• Application Opens: October 21, 2025

• Application Closes: December 19, 2025

Spring Semester 2026

• Application Opens: January 15, 2026

• Application Closes: May 15, 2026

The emergency aid application is NOT open during the summer. 

How do I know if I'm eligible to apply for aid? 

For those who graduated high school in 2025: You must be an active Chi-Rise Scholar to be eligible for emergency aid. Being an active scholar means that you have received your check and given it to your school's financial aid office for this school year or are considered a zero dollar scholar. You must be enrolled in school at a 4-year institution for the Fall 2025 semester to qualify. 

For those who graduated high school in 2024 or earlier: You must be an active Chi-Rise Scholar to be eligible for emergency aid. Being an active scholar means that you have received your check and given it to your school's financial aid office for this school year (Fall 2025). 

What CAN I use emergency aid for?

These grant dollars can be used to cover a variety of expenses for items, such as: 

• off-campus housing/rent/utilities (not applicable for on-campus housing)

• transportation/car repairs (not gas, car loan payment, expected maintenance, or insurance)

• public transportation/air travel

• technology/wi-fi (devices only covered once during scholarship)

• childcare

• medical/dental expenses

• food and groceries (not school-associated meal plans), up to $500

You may only select one (1) eligible expense category on the application. 

What CAN'T I use emergency aid for? 

Books, tuition, fees, required course materials, study-abroad travel or non-essential transportation, and extra spending money are not eligible for reimbursement. 

What do I need to apply?

Before you start your application, you will need:

• Current class schedule or transcript showing you are enrolled full-time for the current semester/term. Full-time enrollment is at least 12 credits, or the equivalent.

• Documentation that exhibits the eligible expense, such as a bill, invoice, or receipt. This documentation should include:

  • 1. • your first and last name (emergency aid cannot be given for an expense in someone else’s name)

       • who you paid - their name, address, and phone number

       • a list of expense(s) and total expense (should be broken down by item)

       • the date expense was created (must be an expense made in the last 30 days)

       • Grocery receipts must include the date, store name, list of items purchased, and total

How soon will I receive the grant?

Decisions for all applications are made within one business day. Approved requests will be paid within three business days. Processing times may take longer during high volume and in cases of missing information.

What is the maximum amount that I can receive?

The maximum grant is $1,500 per student for each semester they are eligible. Up to $500 may be granted for food and groceries. Please note that you can only submit one (1) emergency aid request per semester. 

If my application is approved, how will I receive payment?

Grants will be made payable directly to you. Once your payment is approved, you will receive an email asking you to Claim our Funds (app.bybeam.co/chi-riseaid/). Click the button in the email and choose how you want to be paid: virtual prepaid card, physical prepaid card, check, direct deposit, or Zelle. Awards not claimed in one month will be forfeited. 

Are the grants taxable? 

Grants may be considered taxable income. Work with a tax professional to determine if your grant is taxable. If you don’t have a tax advisor, you may be able to get free tax prep help through the IRS here. 

I have a question that isn't on this page. 

Please reach out to Chi-Rise@ScholarshipAmerica.org with an additional questions you may have about emergency aid. 

Ready to apply for emergency aid? Click the link below.