Security Deposit

The Basic Needs Security Deposit Grant addresses the challenges many students encounter in transitioning to independent living and strives to remove barriers that may hinder their educational pursuits. This is a one-time grant that students can secure during their academic career at UCR should they meet the eligibility criteria. Aligned with our department’s mission, the grant aims to promote stability and support students' overall well-being as they pursue their education.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirements:

Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate UCR students
Submitted FAFSA or Dream Act application for the current academic year
Have enough unmet need in Financial Aid package
Has NOT received ECRT grant in the same academic year
Has stable income to sustain the unit

Meet at least one of the following:

$0 or below SAI
First Generation Student
Undocumented Student
Veteran Student
Student Parent
Former Foster Youth
Underground Scholar
Experiencing Homelessness

Documents Needed:

Depending on your housing status certain documentation will be needed

If you have already moved into your new unit (house, apartment, room) and your lease start date is within the last 60 days from the date you are applying to the grant, you will need:
- Executed lease agreement - off-campus
If you have not moved in, but have an APPROVED housing application within the last 30 days from the date you are applying to the grant, you will need:
- Approved housing application
- Once student moves into the applied unit student must submit executed lease agreement within 14 days of grant disbursement date
  - Note: If the lease agreement is not submitted within the timeframe, the student will be charged on their student account for the amount they received through the grant

Verify your date with this Date and Time Calculator

Additional Documentation:

Income Verification (Paystubs, FAFSA award letter, etc)
Learning Review Certificate (see next section)

Learning Review Requirements:

Part of the application process includes each student to:

Watch a video on security deposit fundamentals
Successfully complete 12 question quiz- must receive 100% to obtain certificate
- Certificate will be emailed to you upon completion 1-2 minutes
Upload certificate into application

Note:

Must be logged into you R'Mail Account
Both the video and quiz are in the application

Application

Apply Here

Application Opens: September 09, 2024

Application Closes: December 08, 2024

Students must be enrolled during the current term in which they are applying

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum amount I can recieve?

The maximum you can receive is up to $2000 and it will verified with your housing documentation.
How long is the process?

The process can take anywhere between 2-3 weeks. It is recommended that while waiting for the funds to disbursed, students put down a holding deposit on the unit.
Based on documentation needed, do I need to already be moved into my apartment?

No, but you do need to have an approved housing application within the last 30 days.
Can I apply for the Security Deposit Grant if I live in University Housing?

University housing otherwise known as "on-campus" housing includes that of Stonehaven, Pentland Hills, Aberdeen-Inverness, Glen Mor, the Plaza, Oban, Bannockburn Village, Falkirk, Dundee, and Lothian.
No, this grant is solely meant for off-campus housing.
Can I apply to the Security Deposit Grant more than once?

You will only be approved ONCE for this grant in your UCR academic career.
If I'm applying to a house that has roommates, how much can I request?

You may only request your portion of the security deposit for the room for which you are renting. If your roommates are current UCR students they may also apply.
Can I apply to both ECRT & Security Deposit Grant?

Yes, you can apply to both, however you cannot be approved for both in the same academic school year.
What happens if I do not submit the required documents after I move into my new unit?

It is crucial that all students submit the required documentation within the specified time frame. Failure to do so will result in a charge being applied to the student's account equal to the amount disbursed. This charge will remain until the necessary documentation is submitted or the grant amount is refunded by the student.
Who do I contact if there's a charge on my student account?

Contact basicneeds@ucr.edu with SUBJECT headline: Security Deposit. Please DO NOT contact Financial Aid or HOSS for charges on your account from the Security Deposit Grant.
Can I apply to this grant if I am renewing my lease?

No, this grant is meant for initial move-ins. If you are having trouble with past due rent please see the qualifications for the ECRT Grant.

Basic Needs