If you have an unexpected financial challenge, there are resources that may be able to help.

Request Additional Funding – Budget Increase

A budget Increase request is a reevaluation of your aid eligibility due to expenses you incurred in excess of the standard cost of attendance. You may request a budget request for the following:

• Auto repair cost
• Medical invoice
• Computer and equipment cost
• Child care
  Your child may be eligible to attend UCR’s Childhood Services. Subsidized rates are available.

For more information, please contact UCR SOM Financial Aid at finaid@medsch.ucr.edu.

Request Payment Arrangements for Tuition and Fees

You can pay your tuition and fees (not covered by grants, scholarships, waivers or loans) in three monthly installments each quarter with a Deferred Payment Plan (DPP). There is a $25 per quarter processing fee.

Defaulted on a Federal Student Loan

Please contact UCR SOM Financial Aid at finaid@medsch.ucr.edu.

Change of Income Review / Professional Judgement

A professional judgement is a process used to reevaluate financial aid eligibility based upon special circumstances that have affected a family’s income. When there are extenuating circumstances that impact federal student aid eligibility, the Office of Financial Aid may exercise professional judgement on a case by case basis.

For more information, please contact UCR SOM Financial Aid at finaid@medsch.ucr.edu.

CalFresh and Basic Needs

Basic needs are the essential resources such as access to nutritious food and stable housing, which impact the mental, physical, and academic wellness of students.

Applying for CalFresh

Employment will no longer disqualify UCR medical students from receiving CalFresh benefits. To apply, please complete the CalFresh pre-screening form. You will then work directly with a CalFresh intern to continue the process.

Basic Needs

Visit the Basic Needs website to learn more about the resources that are available to all current graduate and undergraduate students at UC Riverside.

You may also contact the UCR Student Affairs Case Managers, who can help you find emergency food assistance.

Learn about the on- and off-campus programs that offer free and low-cost food as well as money to purchase food.

Low-Cost Internet

Local Inland Empire non-profits are working with the California Public Utilities Commission to connect residents to high-speed, inexpensive internet through the California Emerging Technology Fund. For more information on qualification, visit Sigma Beta Xi: Youth & Family Services.

LGBTQ Emergency Resources

You may qualify for a free emergency grant through the Kalyn Smith-Tranquil'son Memorial Fund through the LGBT Resource Center.

Feeling Discouraged about Finances

Financing your medical school education can be overwhelming, but your SOM Financial Aid Team is here to help. Please contact us with your concerns at finaid@medsch.ucr.edu for further assistance.

You can also contact the UCR case managers, who are ready to help you with stressful issues  (including financial emergencies).

The director of Medical Student Support & Wellness is also available for support.  Please contact her at Amanda.Smith@medsch.ucr.edu.