Terms and Conditions: University of South Australia Student Association Inc. (USASA) Emergency Grant Scheme

1. Introduction

The USASA Emergency Grant Scheme is designed to support student retention, promote academic focus, and provide financial relief to UniSA students experiencing financial hardship.

This document outlines the terms and conditions of the USASA Emergency Grant, ensuring clarity on its purpose, eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and limitations.

2. What is a USASA Emergency Grant?

The purpose of the USASA Emergency Grant Scheme is to assist currently enrolled UniSA students who are in financial difficulties due to emergency circumstances beyond their control.

Applicants must have met with a USASA Financial Counsellor before they can be referred to this grant.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that other sources of assistance have been sought and are unavailable or inappropriate.

3. Who can apply for this Grant?

All currently enrolled UniSA students who can verify their enrolment - such as by presenting a valid student ID - and have been referred by a USASA Financial Counsellor.

4. What could be the reasons for applying for this Grant?

You are required to demonstrate any changes to your circumstances, such as:

  • Medical emergencies: Unexpected illness, injury, or medical conditions requiring urgent care and resulting in substantial out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance - such as hospitalisation, surgery, or essential treatments.
  • Natural disasters: Events like earthquakes, floods, bushfires, or severe storms may cause property damage, displacement, or loss of essential belongings. Affected students may need support for temporary accommodation, emergency supplies, or home repairs.
  • Political or economic crisis: Students impacted by political instability (e.g. unrest, corruption, or government breakdown) or economic turmoil (e.g. inflation, recession, high unemployment) in their home country may require assistance to maintain financial stability and wellbeing.
  • Family emergencies: Critical situations involving immediate family - such as the death, serious illness, injury, or sudden unemployment of a parent or guardian - can create both financial and emotional stress. Emergency support may help cover travel, funeral, or related expenses.
  • Sudden financial hardship: Unexpected loss of income, job loss, eviction, or essential expenses not covered by existing financial aid may lead to immediate financial distress. Emergency funds can assist with meeting basic living needs during this time.
  • Domestic or family violence: Students facing domestic or family violence may require urgent financial assistance to secure safe housing, relocate, or access legal and support services.
  • Homelessness or housing Insecurity: Students experiencing homelessness, unsafe living conditions, or risk of eviction may need support for emergency accommodation, rental bonds, or transitional housing.
  • Other compassionate circumstances: Situations not listed above may also be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided there is clear evidence or supporting documentation demonstrating the need.

5. What does this Grant not cover?

The following is an indicative list of expenses not eligible for this Grant:

  • Tuition fees
  •  University fines/penalties
  •  Cases which include excessive and/or unessential spending
  •  Student visa or other visa application costs
  •  Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  •  Credit card and/or loan repayments
  •  Holidays or non-essential spending

6. How much will this Grant be valued?

The grant amount will range from $500 to $1,000, assessed on a case-by-case basis and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, or until the available funds are depleted, whichever occurs first.

7. How many times can an applicant apply for this Grant?

Each currently enrolled UniSA student is eligible to receive this grant once every 12 months.

8. Who is responsible for assessing the application?

The USASA General Manager and/or any manager acting in the role of General Manager.

9. How does the General Manager assess the application?

The General Manager will evaluate your application on a case-by-case basis, considering the reasons outlined in Section 4 and your individual circumstances under compassionate grounds. Further information or documentation may be requested as part of the assessment process.

10. Turnaround Timeframe

Once submitted, the General Manager will review your application as soon as possible, typically within 2 to 3 business days. If approved, the application will be forwarded to the Finance Department for fund transfer. Please allow an additional 2 to 3 business days for the funds to be transferred to your nominated bank account, as transfer times may vary depending on your bank’s policies.

11. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible an applicant must:

  • Be currently enrolled at UniSA
  • Have met with a USASA Financial Counsellor before submitting this form
  • Able to demonstrate financial hardship
  • Residing in Australia
  • Priority will be given to applicants who have not recently received other UniSA Grants or Scholarships

12. Required Documents

  • Copy of Student ID Card with the expiry sticker up to date
  • Copy of bank statement for previous 2 months
  • Copy of Centrelink statement
  • Copy of 2 recent payslips
  • Copy of rent or mortgage statement
  • Copy of debt statements
  • Copy of outstanding bill for payment
  • Copy of minimum of 2 quotes for purchase
  • Any relevant supporting documentation that demonstrates your financial hardship

13. How to apply for this Grant?

You will need to make an appointment to discuss your circumstances with a USASA Financial Counsellor before submitting this form.

You need to login/register and complete an online service request form before booking an appointment:

https://usasa.sa.edu.au/support/financial-support/financial-counselling/

14. Document Retention  

We will keep the documents in your file for seven years after your last contact with this service. Your file may be destroyed after 7 years. You agree that we can securely store your file electronically.

15. Confidentiality and Privacy

USASA is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all personal and financial information provided during the application process. All information collected will be used solely for the purpose of assessing the grant application and will be handled in accordance with USASA privacy policies and the Australian Privacy Principles. Please click here to see the privacy-policy.

16. Grant Withdrawal or Revision

In the event that a student no longer requires the grant or if your circumstances change (e.g. financial recovery or other support becomes available), you must notify USASA as soon as possible. USASA reserves the right to withdraw or revise the grant amount if new information becomes available that impacts the applicant’s eligibility.

17. Grant Misuse and Fraud

Any applicant found to have provided false or misleading information during the application process may be disqualified from receiving the grant, and any funds granted may be required to be repaid. USASA reserves the right to take further action in accordance with USASA and legal policies if fraud is suspected.

18. Impact of Grant on Other Financial Aid

Students who receive the USASA Emergency Grant are encouraged to check with relevant financial aid offices to determine whether the grant will impact other financial support they may be receiving (e.g. Centrelink, scholarships, or other grants). USASA does not take responsibility for any changes to other financial aid resulting from the receipt of this grant.

19. Conclusion

This document provides a framework for the USASA Emergency Grant Scheme, ensuring transparency, consistency, professionalism, and compliance with ethical standards.

It outlines the terms and conditions in supporting UniSA students facing financial hardship in applying for this grant.

The University of South Australia Student Association Inc. (USASA) acknowledges the Kaurna, Boandik and Barngarla First Nations People as the traditional custodians of the unceded lands now home to the University of South Australia’s campuses in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Whyalla. We respectfully acknowledge their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia. It was and always will be Aboriginal land.

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