MataCare Grant Frequently Asked Questions

General Information:

The MataCare Emergency Grant helps students with unexpected emergencies. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted for the semester. The Spring 2026 Semester MataCare Emergency Grant application period is CLOSED. The application will re-open in late September 2026.  

If you are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, please visit CSUN’s Housing Stability Resources for support from the Basic Needs Office. You can also visit CSUN with A HEART for additional resources.

Grant Details:

  • Type of Assistance: Single, one-time awards intended for immediate emergencies, not ongoing expenses.
  • Amount: Typically ranges from $50 to $700, depending on the request, documentation, and fund availability.
  • Repayment: The grant is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
  • Documentation: Must be related to your current emergency situation.
  • Others: Must have a current year 2025 – 2026 FAFSA or CADAA (with an approved AB540 Exemption)

Eligibility and Application Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How do I apply?
    • The Spring 2026 Semester MataCare Emergency Grant application period is CLOSED. The application will re-open in late September 2026. 
  2. Do I need to submit documentation?
    • Yes. Documentation supporting your emergency must be uploaded with your application. Combine documents into a single PDF.
  3. What documentation is required?
    • Documentation should match the emergency situation described in your application. Incomplete applications or irrelevant documentation will be denied.
  4. How will I know if my application is approved?
    • You will receive an email confirmation detailing the approval and grant amount.
  5. How and when will I receive funds?
    • If approved, funds will be disbursed electronically to your bank account if you are enrolled in eRefund. If you are not enrolled in eRefund, a paper check will be mailed to your address on file with Records. Disbursements are typically processed within 14 business days of approval.
  6. Can I appeal a denied grant application?
    • No. All grant decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
  7. Can I receive the grant again in the same academic year?
    • No. The MataCare grant is a one-time award for the 2025-2026 academic year. However, if you received a grant in a previous academic year, you may apply for the grant this year.
  8. Will this grant affect my financial aid?
    • If approved, this grant is considered emergency financial aid and is added to your financial aid package. This may impact the amount you are awarded.
  9. What is considered a catastrophic event?
    • Examples of situations that may qualify:
      • Apartment fire or significant smoke damage
      • Theft of essential items following a break-in (for example, laptop, textbooks)
      • Severe weather or natural disaster that damages your housing or personal property
      • Emergency evacuation or short-term shelter needs due to a sudden crisis
    • Examples of situations that are not covered under this category:
      • Pest control or bed bug treatment, unless part of a documented emergency relocation
      • Mold or water leaks that were not promptly reported to the landlord or not addressed in a timely manner
      • Lost or broken personal items unrelated to a documented emergency (for example, dropped phone, cracked screen)
      • Routine maintenance issues or pre-existing property damage (for example, peeling paint, broken blinds)
  10. What is considered an Unexpected Housing Expense:
    • Examples of Eligible Unexpected Housing Expenses
      (Must be tied to a recent, one-time emergency and not ongoing or routine financial need)
      •  Eviction due to a sudden loss of income (for example, job layoff, medical issue preventing work)
      • Emergency relocation caused by a roommate unexpectedly moving out
      • Urgent utility shutoff notice due to a recent financial hardship
      • Sudden rent increase due to lease restructuring beyond your control
      • Temporary housing needed after losing access to university housing or a transitional housing program
        • Forced move due to unsafe or uninhabitable conditions (for example, landlord harassment, building code violations)
    • Examples of Expenses Not Covered
      (These are considered ongoing, routine, or not directly tied to a documented emergency)
      • Regular rent or utility bills without a recent triggering event
      • Moving by choice for convenience, better location, or personal reasons
      • Security deposits or rent payments when relocating voluntarily
      • Ongoing inability to pay rent unrelated to a new emergency
      • Internet, phone, or entertainment subscriptions
      • Household expenses shared with roommates (for example, furniture, internet, supplies)
  11. Do I need to repay the grant?
    • No. The grant does not require repayment.
  12. Are Tseng College students eligible?
    • Yes, students in federally approved programs are eligible, regardless of their financial aid status. For eligibility questions, contact the Financial Aid office at Tseng College at (818) 677-7523.
  13. Can International students apply?
    • At this time, International students are NOT eligible to receive the MataCare Emergency Grant.
  14. Is my information confidential?
    • Yes. Your application will be reviewed confidentially by a select committee and will not be discussed outside of the review process.
  15. Who can I contact for more questions?
    • For additional questions, visit a financial aid representative or counselor in the Bayramian Hall Student Lobby (first floor) or call (818) 677-4085. For more information on other resources, visit CSUN’s Basic Needs Office.