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 last day to apply for the Fall 2026 MataCare is December 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

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 2026 – 2027 FAFSA or CADAA (with an approved AB540 Exemption)

Eligibility and Application Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How do I apply?
    • The Fall 2026 Semester MataCare Emergency Grant application period is now open.  See the application below this page.
  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 2026-2027 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.

To apply, click Fall 2026 MataCare Grant