Basic Needs Updates for Grad Students

The Office of Graduate Student Life and the Basic Needs Center want to update graduate students on your access to essential resources like food assistance, housing support, financial aid, and healthcare. Below you can find an outline of specific campus resources to help you.

Expanded work requirements for CalFresh are expected to be implemented by June 1, 2026.  Students who are enrolled less than half-time who don’t qualify for an exemption will be asked to meet work requirements in order to access benefits. Additionally, refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other immigrant groups are expected to lose CalFresh eligibility by April 1, 2026. 

If you are experiencing trouble accessing CalFresh benefits, you have resources!

• For general eligibility questions or support, please reach out to the Basic Needs Center’s CalFresh Team. You can stop by the Welcome Center’s open hours Monday- Friday 1-4:30 pm, or sign up for an appointment.
• For support with low benefit allotment or denials, Berkeley Law students can help you through the Food Justice Project.

Get food

• The Basic Needs Center’s Food Pantry is open Monday-Friday: explore their hours. Please visit the pantry’s page to access the virtual line.  You can also check out a local food bank: California Association of Food Banks or FindHelp.org (nationwide).

If you’re having trouble finding work, you’re not alone. Our services are here to support you in your career. 

• Sign up for a confidential, one-on-one consultation with a Professional Development Liaison (PDL) at GradPro. Our PDLs are trained PhD peer advisors ready to support career exploration and preparation.
• Find jobs with an appointment with a graduate specialized Career Counselor through Berkeley Career Engagement.

The Basic Needs Center offers short-term emergency housing for students who are unhoused or at imminent risk of losing their housing, emergency rental assistance, and housing security deposit assistance for students who have exhausted their financial resources. The Basic Needs Assistance Form closes May 8 and reopens June 8. During the break, reach out to [email protected] for emergency assistance.

• Are you an international student? If so, talk to BIO first. Meet with a Berkeley International Office (BIO) Advisor to discuss your Financial Aid options. Advising is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.

Get access to healthcare: University Health Services (UHS) at UC Berkeley

Need help with emergency care bills? The Health Opportunity Fund provides up to $200 for emergency medical expenses at the Tang Center.

Important Medi-Cal Updates 

• Current Medi-Cal enrollees who are immigrant adults can keep their full coverage if they renew on time. 
• New applicants can only apply for restricted Medi-Cal, which covers only emergency care, pregnancy-related care, and nursing home care. 
• Starting July 1, 2026, some immigrant Medi-Cal members will stop getting non-emergency dental coverage. 

Federal change to SHIP / student insurance:

All students will now be automatically charged for SHIP. Students who choose to opt out will be refunded within 60 days.

• • • Signing up for SHIP outside of enrollment periods.
    • How to use SHIP outside of the Bay Area
    • Insurance for Dependents
    • SHIP for Non-Registered Students
    • Insurance After Graduation

Need help with technology resources?

• Students in need of a laptop or other technology hardware can apply to the Student Technology Equity Program (STEP) for a loaned device at no charge.
• Free and low-cost options for accessing the internet off campus.
• The California LifeLine Program (California LifeLine) is a state program that provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible households. 

Explore additional basic needs resources to support your journey through graduate school.

• Students get free rides on all Bay Area public transit
• Childcare Reimbursement
• An interest-free Short-Term Emergency Loan from Financial Aid & Scholarships Office
• Visit Basic Needs Financial Aid Virtual Drop-In Services to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor over Zoom on Mondays and Fridays 11am-1pm. To join these drop-ins, you can access the Zoom link directly, or enter the Meeting ID: 963 0362 8579 & Passcode: 702406.
• The Center for Financial Wellness (CFW) for free, confidential peer-to-peer financial education and coaching. Schedule an appointment or for quick questions you can email [email protected].
• Get resources for undocumented students: UndocuGrads – Berkeley Graduate Division 
• Students get free therapy through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Free support groups and workshops
• Immigration Policy Changes FAQ | Berkeley International Office

You are always welcome to contact our Grad Div Basic Needs and Housing Specialist to discuss your options. Email [email protected].