Budget Adjustment Request

Students studying and working on a laptop

The Office of Student Financial Aid Services understands that students may incur unexpected, yet required academic expenses that are not accounted for in the annual cost of attendance.  Should this happen students can submit a UCH Budget Adjustment Request to have their budget increased.  The result of this adjustment would result in an increase in a students financial aid, allowing for the unexpected cost to be covered.  More information, including examples of qualifying expenses, the process to apply and more is listed below.

Reasons to Request an Adjustment

There are several reasons why you may find yourself in need of an adjustment to your budget.  Some include;

    1. Away-rotation expenses:
      1. Travel expenses
      2. Lodging expenses
    2. Residency expenses:
      1. Travel expenses
      2. Lodging expenses
      3. ERAS application expenses
    3. Out of pocket medical expenses
    4. Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
    5. Non-routine car repair (standard maintenance and wear and tear are not eligible)
    6. Additional Study Aids and Software
    7. Child or elder care expenses (maximum of $10,000 per academic term)
    8. Miscellaneous Expenses

These are some of the more common requests and this list is not comprehensive.  If you are not sure if your request qualifies, ask us!

Steps to Submit a Request

To submit a request to have your budget adjusted please use the buttons above.

  1.  Complete the  UCH Budget Adjustment form which we have linked above.
  2.  Submit all receipts along with an explanation of the request using the Upload Supporting Document button above.  Please do not e-mail documents.

All requests and documentation are reviewed in 1-3 business days.  Please check your e-mail as an officer may contact your for clarification or requests for more information.  Once a decision has been made the officer will reach out to let you know of the outcome.  An explanation will be provided, outlining the reason for approval or denial.  Please keep in mind if your request contains multiple charges some may be approved and some denied.  If approved the officer will provide you with any steps you need to take to receive funding.  All funds are disbursed by the bursar's office and any refund to the student will be issued according to the manner on file.

Things to Consider

It is important to consider all of your options before requesting an adjustment of your budget.  Please consider the following:

  1. Any additional aid offered due to a successful request will be federal student loans (unsub, health or PLUS loan) AND will increase your overall indebtedness.
  2. Requests must be submitted in the same term as the expense occurred.  For example, if you submitted  for ERAS applications in the fall term the request must also be submitted in the fall term.
  3. Receipts for all purchases must be included.  Make sure the receipt includes the date of purchase and what is it for; travel, lodging etc.
  4. Both the School of Medicine and Dental Medicine already provide funding for residency expenses in their respective budgets.  Students who submit requests for residency costs must exceed these figures before a budget can be adjusted.
  5. The decision of the Office of Student Financial Aid Services is final.