Penn's Association of Black Social Workers Student Emergency Fund:
Established December 2020.  The purpose of the ABSW Fund is to provide emergency financial support to a student at the School who needs assistance with unexpected, unforeseen or unavoidable emergency expenses due to accident, illness, death in a family, need for immediate short-term housing, etc.  Each application for emergency support shall be considered individually by the School, and awards will be made through the Financial Aid Office consistent with its current policies. In keeping with the University's educational policy of promoting and retaining a diverse student body, the Donor desires that in making awards, consideration be given to Black applicants, so long as such consideration is necessary and appropriate in keeping with the School's goal of obtaining educational benefits by promoting student body diversity.
 

The funds are generally disbursed as soon as possible after an award determination has been made, typically within three to five business days.  Important: if a student is currently aided up to budget (the total cost of attendance: tuition, fees, and living expenses) the emergency fund award will reduce a portion of aid currently provided and will not be received in the form of a refund.  If this is the case, students will need to complete a budget increase request form and receive an approval, in order to receive an actual refund.  In addition, if there is a balance owed on a student’s Penn bursar account, the emergency funds may be delayed or absorbed by the balance due on the account.  


Grants are typically capped at $500; however, higher awards are considered in extreme situation. The funds are generally disbursed as soon as possible after an award determination has been made, typically within three to five business days. 

Important: If a student is currently aided up to budget (the total cost of attendance: tuition, fees, and living expenses) the emergency fund award will reduce a portion of aid currently provided and will not be received in the form of a refund.  If this is the case, students will need to complete a budget increase request form and receive an approval, in order to receive an actual refund.  In addition, if there is a balance owed on a student’s Penn bursar account, the emergency funds may be delayed or absorbed by the balance due on the account.