How do I know if I have “exceptional financial need”?

You might have “exceptional financial need” if you any of the following are true:

• You qualify for the Pell Grant when applying for federal financial aid
• You have low income
• You receive federal income-based benefits, such as Transitional Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP)
• You have lost your job or had a reduction to your work hours
• You are at risk of eviction from housing
• You are unable to meet payment obligations for basic living expenses each month
• You do not qualify for low income federal assistance programs (for reasons other than income)

This list is not exclusive. It is possible to have some of these circumstances and not feel you have an exceptional financial need, and similarly you may have circumstances not listed above that cause you to have exceptional financial need. If you are unsure, please email emergencygrant [at] qcc.mass.edu for assistance.