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The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs

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Resources

This resources page is designed to help students find the support they need to meet their basic needs while pursuing their education. It also provides guidance for college leaders, faculty, and staff on how they can help their students afford essential costs, maximize financial resources, and access the support they need to persist and graduate.

We know this guide is only one of many and is not intended to be exhaustive. Our hope is that it serves as a helpful starting point—or at the very least, points you in the right direction.

If you have suggestions for resources we should add or update, please contact us through this form and let us know how we can improve the page.

If you are a student who is struggling, remember that you are not alone, and this is not your fault.  Basic needs insecurity is not the result of individual failure—it is the consequence of systemic barriers and longstanding gaps in our social and educational support systems. Millions of students and households across the United States face these same challenges. That reality is unacceptable, and we are working to change it. You deserve to pursue your education with your basic needs met.

If you are a campus leader supporting students, thank you for recognizing that students are humans first. Your commitment to ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive is an essential part of advancing student success.

This page was last updated on 3/18/2026.

resources

For Students

This section helps students find resources directly based on the category of where they might need help, or to lend a hand to assist their peers navigate basic needs challenges, including improving on-campus and community resources.

How to Get Money

Applying for financial aid
  • Federal grants and loans are the most significant way for students to offset tuition, fees, and living costs. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form if you’re a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen intending to become a resident. For priority consideration, submit your application as early as possible for the aid year you plan to attend, and review the FAFSA deadlines for federal, state, and institutional aid.   Any corrections must be submitted by mid-September. You will need to refile the FAFSA for each year you are enrolled in college.
  • If your financial aid award  does not reflect your current circumstances, or you face a change in financial circumstances after you receive your aid, contact your financial aid office for an appeal . The free templates from SwiftStudent can help you with this process and potentially obtain more funding. You can tell your financial aid office that you are interested in a “professional judgment” (the technical term) or a “financial aid appeal” and they can explain the process at your college. Note: it is not permissible for a college to refuse to process an appeal before they’ve heard your circumstances.
  • If you have not taken out your full eligibility for federal student loans, consider the tradeoffs. Federal student loans are a useful tool for many students to help afford their basic needs so they can stay enrolled and graduate, which is often the top priority, even if that means paying back loans after graduation. Federal loans most often have more favorable terms than private student loans, and contain more options for students who later struggle in repayment.
  • See if your college or state offers an “emergency aid” program, which is a type of financial assistance that can be given to students for unexpected or sudden expenses that can occur during the year, and often after the traditional financial aid package is constructed. These  programs are often grants  and that do not need to be repaid and should not impact the rest of your financial aid. . In other instances, some colleges may offer emergency “bridge” loans, and we encourage students to do their due diligence on the terms and repayment requirements. You can search your college’s website, or use a search engine with your college’s name, to look for terms like “emergency aid, emergency grants, emergency financial assistance. In more limited cases, they may be referred to as “retention” or “completion” grants.  They may also be listed on the webpage for your college’s financial aid office. [The programs may be listed here or on your college’s webpage.]
  • You can ask your financial aid office, about resources that may be available on or near campus to support food, housing, child care, health care, transportation, technology, or other basic needs. Don’t be afraid to tell them you need assistance. It is possible that you may be referred to another office who can help.
  • Consider looking into whether your college has resources on-campus that can help you with your basic needs. Many campuses have food pantries, while others partner with local food banks nearby to help with temporary food needs or to create additional room in your budget for other basic needs. Subsidized on-campus child care may be available for students who are parents. And some campuses may have a basic needs office/hub/navigator that can connect you with resources beyond food—such as subsidies for housing, transportation, course materials, and more.
  • Consider applying for scholarships and get support from your college library or writing center to submit a strong essay, if needed.
 
 
Filing taxes
  • If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you should file your taxes each year, and by the deadline (generally in mid-April), because you may be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax benefits available to students and people with low incomes. Students can get up to $2,500 for their college expenses. Parenting students may be eligible for additional tax credits between $500 and $2,200 per child. Even if you’re not required to file taxes (usually because you have low or no earnings) you could benefit financially from filing and potentially get a credit or refund. 
  • You can file taxes online for free using the IRS Free File tool, or use this tool to find free, local, in-person help with filing taxes. Some colleges, and community organizations will provide you with help in navigating the tax filing process. 
  • The IRS offers an Interactive Tax Assistant that helps you identify if you qualify for tax benefits for education.
  • If you have a bank account, select direct deposit to receive your tax refund; this is the fastest and most reliable and secure method of receiving your refund. Avoid gimmicks like gift cards, which often come with fees. Setting up a checking account for yourself is a good idea if you have not done so already. 
  • Even if you missed this year’s federal tax filing deadline, you can still file your taxes. There is no penalty for filing late if you are owed a refund, and many college students qualify for a refund.
  • Filing taxes also makes the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) easier because, with consent and approval, federal tax information is transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form. This may help you get additional financial aid to pay for basic needs such as food and housing. 
Finding work
  • Working part-time might help supplement your income. But don’t be afraid to focus on your studies or borrow to afford critical expenses. Juggling too much work and school could make it harder to stay enrolled and graduate. 
  • Check with your financial aid office to see if you are eligible to participate in work-study and if any openings are available. Receiving work-study, or even working 20 hours per week in a non-work-study job, may also help you qualify for other assistance, such as food benefits (SNAP). 
  • Check with your college’s career services office to get job leads or paid internship opportunities. Faculty and classmates may also have ideas. 
  • Use CareerOneStop to search for jobs, internships, and local employment resources. You can also find free help through an American Job Center, which may offer job search help, resume support, training information, and unemployment guidance.
  • Many companies conduct virtual interviews rather than meeting in person. Consider these tips for a successful interview by phone, or video, recorded video, or getting to the second round. 
  • Your college may have a “career closet” offering free business attire and accessories for an interview. You can also search this map of organizations that can help you make a good first impression.  
  • If you are laid off from a job, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits or assistance. You can research the requirements and file a claim with your state’s unemployment agency. If your college has a student basic needs hub/center/navigator, they may be able to help, or do a quick web search for unemployment assistance available in your area. If approved for unemployment benefits, you may receive a temporary wage replacement that is less than what you would normally be paid.
Setting up a bank account
  • Nearly 1 in 5 households in the U.S. do not participate fully in the banking system, either lacking a bank or credit union account, or having one but still routinely relying on check cashing, payday lending, and other alternative financial products. However, the easiest way to receive and send money is with a bank account (sometimes called a “checking” or “debit” account). Colleges and universities can send any extra financial aid refunds directly to these accounts. 
  • Look for bank accounts without monthly fees or that let you get money from local ATMs without racking up extra fees. Credit unions also sometimes have favorable rates or benefits.
  • If your college offers you a debit or credit card, make sure to ask about any fees. The federal government has previously found that some colleges offer cards to students that have excessive fees. It may be a better idea to set up a bank account on your own, rather than through your college. 

How to Reduce Your Bills

Paying your credit card, utility, and other bills
  • If a bill is becoming unmanageable, contact the company right away and ask whether it offers hardship options, deferred payments, or payment plans. If you are dealing with debt collectors, review the FTC’s Debt Collection FAQs to understand your rights.
  • Contact your utility companies (e.g. electric, gas, water, garbage/recycling) to inquire about any savings or discount programs, which may vary by municipality or state. Once you sign up for their program, you may be eligible to get subsidies to pay for other bills. 
  • For help during or after an inclement weather disaster, your locality or state may offer free assistance. Apply as soon as you learn about it, and save any documentation, as resources may be limited. 
  • Apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps you afford your energy bills, including electricity, heating, and cooling.
Getting lower-cost internet or technology
  • Some internet service providers offer discounted service for students or low-income households. Contact your provider to ask whether it offers a student or income-based discount plan and whether you qualify. You may also qualify for the FCC’s Lifeline program if you or someone in your household participates in SNAP or meets another eligibility requirement.
  • Check with your college’s IT department to learn about free or discounted educational software.
  • Check out offers for discounted, refurbished computers and laptops through programs like Notebooks for Students and PCs for People.
Buying textbooks and supplies
  • Consider renting, or buying used copies, of any textbooks. The bookstore at your college may match the price you find online or offer other good deals. 
  • You can also check out campus book rental-specialized websites or ask your classmates about how they obtained a textbook for a discounted price. 
  • Check with your campus library or local public library to see if they have free access to electronic or printed versions of required textbooks. 
  • When you receive your course syllabus or ask your professor/teacher about cheaper alternatives to required textbooks, additional free copies of readings, or other resources to lower costs. 
Affording groceries or food
  • Check your college’s website and student portal for any support options on campus, such as a food pantry. 
  • If your college has a food pantry, connect with them to learn about their schedule and food distribution options. Some institutions may offer takeout or food delivery. Other campuses might have “food lockers” where students can pick up groceries or prepared foods.
  • You could also find other food providers in your area by calling 1 (800) 5-HUNGRY or 1 (877) 8-HAMBRE (for Spanish), visiting whyhunger.org/FindFood, or contacting them via text using your zip code at 1 (800) 548-6479.
  • If your  community has a local off-campus food pantry, they may be able to supplement what you receive from an on-campus pantry.
  • Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps,” through your local SNAP office. If you’re enrolled in college at least half-time, you will need to meet income limits and be either (1) working an average of 20 hours per week or more or (2) exempt from those work requirements by receiving work-study, having a dependent child, or meeting other exemptions. If you aren’t sure whether you’re eligible for work-study, contact your financial aid office. Contact your student support services office or financial aid office to see if they have more information about applying for SNAP. 
  • SNAP will give you an electronic benefit card that you can use at most grocery stores, just like a debit card. 
  • Your state has an online SNAP application and assistance hotline or maybe even a phone app to facilitate this process. If you find you need additional guidance with the application process, there may be a contact at your college (e.g., basic needs coordinator), a local nonprofit, or even a legal aid organization that can assist. However, please note that some of these organizations may not understand the student rules for SNAP.
  • If you have a permanent address, be sure to review the letters that you receive about SNAP to find the requirements that you need to meet (e.g., submitting information, fulfilling an interview requirement) to continue to receive your benefits.
  • If you do not have a permanent residence, contact the local assistance office to discuss a plan and update your information to keep your benefits, and inquire with nonprofit organizations that may offer free mailbox services.
  • Find other free and low-cost emergency food aid programs here, or use Google’s locator tool for food assistance near you.
Managing student loans
  • If you or your family or friends are currently paying back federal student loans, consider applying for one of the available income-driven repayment plans, which base your monthly loan payment on a percentage of your discretionary income (typically 10-15%) and allow loans to be forgiven after 20 or 25 years. Check out the Department of Education’s Loan Simulator to help calculate your options.
  • For those who were enrolled in the SAVE plan, which is currently in limbo due to several court decisions, and are close to receiving forgiveness, consider asking your servicer to enroll you in another qualifying income-driven repayment plan to benefit from debt cancellation.
  • Never pay for student loan advice or assistance. Federal Student Aid provides free information about repayment, forgiveness, and consolidation, and explains how to avoid student aid scams.
  • If you work for a federal, state, or local agency, or a non-profit organization (such as a 501(c)(3), you may qualify for Forgiveness. The PSLF program can forgive the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments while working for an eligible employer.  
  • Unfortunately, some older federal student loans that are owned by private and commercial lenders, as well as all private student loans, are not eligible for most federal benefits. Borrowers who have Federal Family Education Loans and/or Perkins Loans should consider consolidating their loans into Direct Loans to obtain all of the benefits they’re eligible for.

Finding a Place to Live

Finding off-campus housing
  • Some colleges help students find affordable off-campus housing or partner with community organizations to make options available for students. Connect with student support services, or check out the off-campus housing options listings, at your college to get more details. 
  • Websites like PadMapper allow you to search for housing options based on location, such as being close to campus or transit.
  • If you have been involved in the foster care system, you may be eligible for additional financial support and services. Look up and contact the “Chafee Coordinator” in your state. Foster youth might also qualify for support from the Rapid Response program. 
  • You may be eligible for public housing assistance. Check the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) website for information on your local housing authority and eligibility for assistance. 
  • Social service and nonprofit organizations, like United Way, and YMCA or YWCA, may be able to assist with local temporary housing when colleges are on break. Some cities have local programs designed to help college-bound students afford housing and other essential items for those who have recently experienced homelessness.
  • If you find yourself in a situation where you feel you may have to sleep outside or in  car, first contact your campus or state homeless higher education liaison if available. Above all, protect yourself from extreme heat and cold. There may be centers with air conditioning or heating, open to everyone during periods of extreme weather.  
 
Paying for rent or housing
  • If you need help paying rent or finding emergency housing assistance, start with USA.gov rental assistance and USA.gov emergency housing assistance. In addition, the National Low Income Housing Coalition maintains a database of local rental housing programs. If you need help applying, ask your campus housing office to find a local legal aid or housing nonprofit that may also be able to assist.
  • Contact your financial aid office if you are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, particularly if you did not already indicate this when you filed (or have not filed) a FAFSA. They may be able to adjust your financial aid eligibility to reflect your housing needs or tell you about emergency assistance programs that can help you afford the cost of housing.
On-campus housing
  • If you want to live on-campus, and your college has on-campus housing (not all colleges do), they likely have a housing-focused webpage that describes the costs per term or academic year. If there is contact information, reach out to the housing office about affordable options that might be available but not publicly listed.
  • In some cases, off-campus housing may be more affordable than on-campus housing, particularly if you plan to live with roommates, but there are key differences in the fees and utilities you may be responsible for paying. 
  • If you are living on-campus and need a place to stay between terms – such as during a holiday break or summer period – ask your college housing office if they have these options. Many colleges keep some living spaces open between academic terms, or they know of community resources.

Protecting Your Health

Obtaining health care
  • Find low-cost, in-person care at your closest free clinic or community health center. They offer services on a sliding fee basis based on your income. Assistance can range from primary care to mental health care, dental, and OB/GYN is available to everyone, even if you’re undocumented or don’t have insurance.
  • Many health care providers offer virtual or phone consultations, which may be available at a discounted rate.
  • If you cannot get your medicine prescription in person, check with your pharmacy to see if they have free delivery or shipment services.
  • Your college may require vaccinations against common illnesses or diseases before enrolling. You can learn more by visiting your college’s website and searching for vaccination requirements. 
Getting health insurance
  • The most important way to reduce your health care expenses is to get insured. Many U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for affordable (and potentially free) health insurance coverage. International and undocumented students may have access to health insurance offered by their college or will need to seek care from a community provider.
  • Visit healthcare.gov to learn more about your options for a subsidized health insurance plan. Many plans have low costs, but we recognize that some of these plans are not affordable, particularly after enhanced subsidies lapsed in late 2025.
  • Your college may also offer a health insurance plan to students. If the cost is too high for your budget, compare it with your coverage options at healthcare.gov. 
  • If your income or household changes and you have coverage through the Marketplace, update the information online or call to get instructions on how to adjust your plan. By doing this, you may save money or even become eligible for free health insurance through Medicaid. 
  • If you are uninsured, are a citizen or permanent resident, and meet the income eligibility criteria, you (and your children, if applicable) may be eligible for free health insurance under Medicaid. Your local hospital and health center may also provide help with the application, though this normally occurs in person. 
  • In most states, children in families with income up to $50,000 are eligible for health care coverage under the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), even if the parent is not eligible—and in some states, the threshold is even higher. 
  • If you are an international student and need health insurance, contact the International Student Office at your college or explore plans through companies like isoa.org to obtain coverage. 
  • If you are undocumented or are waiting for your healthcare plan coverage’s approval, contact a local health community center to receive care.
Supporting your mental health
  • Check if your college offers on-campus mental health services for students.
  • Many in-person support groups offer support online. For example, search for an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous virtual group.
  • Check out this support text line for students of color. Text STEVE to 741741.
  • See these additional recommendations to help you manage stress and anxiety. Active Minds provides exercises to integrate in your daily life.
  • Care for your anxiety and use virtual relaxation and stress relief tools and guides. For example, check out the Calm app, this relaxation room, or the Jed Foundation’s mental health resource center.
  • It is important to find therapists and healthcare professionals that get you. This directory of therapists allows you to filter specialists according to your specific identity, immigration status and other needs so you can access the right care.
  • In a domestic violence situation, connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7/365 to obtain by texting “START” to 88788 or by calling 1 (800) 799-7233.
  • If you are in emotional distress or crisis, call, text, or chat 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. LGBTQ+ young people can also contact The Trevor Project for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support by phone, text, or chat. Trans, nonbinary, agender, and questioning people can contact Trans Lifeline for trans-led peer support; check current hotline hours before calling or texting.
     

Caring for a Child

Supporting their basic needs
  • Approximately 1 in 5 students in college are raising a child while going to school. You are not alone, and we are so excited that you’re pursuing higher education.
  • If you don’t make much money, or are not currently working, but have children who are 18 years of age or younger, apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. This program provides cash and services to parents who meet the criteria. Some colleges/universities, as well as nonprofits, will help you apply for TANF.  
  • Apply for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which can help you get money for food, health care, and breastfeeding/infant formula. 
  • Food is available for your children. States continue to work to provide meals to students who participate in the free or reduced-price meals program. To find the closest locations near you, use the meal site finder. 
  • The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally funded, state-administered program. SFSP reimburses program operators who serve free healthy meals and snacks to children and teens in low-income areas. 
  • If you need help with school supplies, contact your nearest United Way and ask about their school supply drives. Operation Homefront provides military families with school supplies and clothing. 
  • If you need help to manage custody or visitation arrangements, you may be able to get free assistance through local legal aid organizations.
Getting parenting support
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, many hospitals and clinics offer telehealth appointments. You can also access online streaming birth classes. 
  • If you need assistance with baby supplies, connect with your local diaper bank and maternity care nonprofit to access free or low-cost baby gear and clothing. 
  • Consider streaming bedtime stories from YouTube or your local or regional library to bring variety into your child’s routine. 
Finding childcare
  • Check to see if your college offers child care on-campus or partners with local child care providers. You may be eligible for free or discounted child care services, but there may be a waitlist. 
  • The federal government provides funding for many colleges to offer child care through the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program. If your college doesn’t have a CCAMPIS grant, encourage them to apply for one. 
  • Use these links to see if your state offers child care resources or subsidies for child care. 
  • The YMCA also offers free emergency daycare services for frontline and essential workers, use this locator map to find the nearest site in your area. 
  • Consider looking into YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, 4-H Council, Girls-Inc, Camp Fire USA, and After School All Stars for after-school activities that your children can enjoy. 

Other Resources

More Ways to Access Support

For College Leaders and Governing Boards, Faculty, and Staff

Documenting the Problem

  • We know that all types of students at all types of colleges are experiencing basic needs insecurity, but many systemically marginalized students are experiencing particularly severe challenges. 

  • Having statistics on the prevalence of student basic needs security for your specific college (and/or state) will focus your campus conversations, increase awareness, and unlock action to help students. 

  • To document the prevalence of basic needs insecurity on your campus, consider regularly fielding a student basic needs survey—and measure progress. With every level of our Hope Impact Partnerships (HIP) program, we will help you field a comprehensive assessment of the basic needs of your students. 

  • If your state has not conducted a statewide survey of student basic needs, consider creating or joining an advocacy effort to request one. We are here to help. States like New Mexico and Washington State, and the community colleges in California, have conducted statewide surveys that have generated systemic policy change. These surveys can often be disaggregated by individual colleges. 

Finding Funding

  • A critical part of supporting students’ basic needs is braiding together funding to sustain and expand the work. This can come from federal, state, or local governments, private donors and philanthropy, institutional funding, and other sources. 

  • Check out this federal funding guide on a few key grant programs that support comprehensive approaches to basic needs, on-campus child care, and mental health services. The guide also touches on how federal “earmarks” can be used to direct additional funding for valuable projects on campus, including basic needs. 

  • Ask your college or university leadership and/or governing board about how they’re investing in student basic needs.  

  • Participate in efforts to ask for additional federal, state, and local funding for basic needs. If your college has a government affairs office or staff, reach out to them to find out ways you can support timely funding requests to support basic needs. 

Figuring Out What Works

  • It can be challenging to determine how to help students with basic needs security at your college. In part because this movement is still relatively new, the evidence on various interventions is still emerging. 

Putting it in the Classroom

  • Remember that students are most likely to reach out to people they know when they’re struggling with basic needs. That means that faculty and staff are at the front lines of student basic needs security. 

  • Consider adding a basic needs security statement on course syllabi. This can be done on a instructor-by-instructor basis, or coordinated and led at the campus-level in partnership with faculty.  

Push for Systemic Policy Change

  • Colleges are more powerful when they join forces with other institutions of higher education, advocates, and practitioners. Look for coalitions on student basic needs working in your state or region. 

  • Check out our Policy & Advocacy page for more information on what The Hope Center is lifting and elevating.  

Supporting Mental Health
Resource Library

  • This research study (September 2023) on the design of text messages related to food insecurity. 

  • This implementation guide on addressing food insecurity in Arkansas (July 2023), which speaks to using food pantries as a way to connect students to other benefits. 

  • This case study (August 2023) on the implementation of emergency aid programs in West Texas. 

  • This research study from The Hope Center on basic needs hubs (July 2023). 

  • This research study (February 2023) on the impact of providing meal vouchers to community college students. 

  • This implementation rubric (January 2023) from Education Northwest and the ECMC Foundation on ways that college can implement basic needs services. 

  • This research scan in Public Health Nutrition (November 2022) on ways for campuses to adopt a “health equity framework” to support food security. 

  • This guide from Education Commission on the States (May 2022) on community college approaches to student supports. 

  • This article for trustees (September 2023) on ways that campuses can support student basic needs. 

Thank You

Students are humans first. The Hope Center is proud to provide these resources to help students meet their basic needs. We also provide additional resources to college leaders, faculty, and staff who are working to alleviate student basic needs insecurity. If you have a resource to add to this list, please email us at hopectr@temple.edu.

Download this Guide

Note: The following was last updated in November 2025. We leave this here for archival and resource retrieval purposes. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—previously called "food stamps"—has been substantially disrupted in November 2025, impacting 42 million people, including an estimated 1.1 million college students.

The situation continues to evolve, but SNAP recipients are experiencing delays in the release of their full benefits for the month of November. We have included the latest information on Administration, court, and Congressional action in this new guide, Supporting Students Through the November 2025 SNAP Cliff and Federal Government Shutdown. Delays, reductions, and uncertainties of this magnitude have never occurred before in the SNAP program, and there will be substantial impacts on student basic needs security.

The Hope Center guide contains a summary of what is happening with SNAP, how institutions of higher education and states can act to support students at this time of crisis, and information for students themselves on the current situation and how to help.

We recognize that this is a frightening time for students and for all of higher education. As we navigate an overwhelming set of policy changes on issues that deeply impact student basic needs security, we will not rest. We stand with our partners and students working for a more just and brighter future.

We will continue to update the guide as the situation evolves, including the recent court and Administration actions. We hope that you will share your outreach and action examples for us to add to the guide. It’s only in community that we will achieve student basic needs security. We’re honored to be undertaking this work with and for you.

Resources

Supporting Students Through the November 2025 SNAP Cliff & Federal Government Shutdown

Supporting Students Through the November 2025 SNAP Cliff & Federal Government Shutdown