Single Stop

Using advanced technology, Single Stop staff are able to identify preliminary financial resources to help students secure basic needs. From food, health insurance, utility and cash assistance to textbooks, transportation, childcare and other subsidies, staff connect with students to determine a plan to pursue available options. Without leaving campus, students get the support they need so they can better manage their time and multiple responsibilities, making it easier for them to focus on their education while accessing a wide range of services.

If you are a currently enrolled Community College of Philadelphia student faced with an unexpected financial hardship or educational expense, you may be eligible for emergency funds. Emergency funds are allocated for sudden, urgent or unforeseen occurrences that would affect your ability to stay at CCP and complete your program of study. Funding is for one-time assistance, not a continuing recurring grant.

Learn more and Apply

Emergency Funds FAQs

What are the criteria to qualify for emergency funds?

To qualify for emergency grant funding, at a minimum, you must:

• Be enrolled and attending classes in the current term
• Demonstrate a financial hardship.
• Each funding source has different criteria, meaning that the application will be matched with a fund for which the student qualifies and subject to availability of funding.  For example, textbook support is subject to availability.
• Create a Single Stop Profile:  link: https://app.singlestop.org/ccp/main

How often can I apply?

Eligible students may apply for emergency funding once per semester. 

How much will I receive?

The College received a limited amount of funds from genius donors. We cannot guarantee that all applications submitted will be eligible for funding. Grant amounts will be determined based on the number of applications received and the specific needs presented in the application.

How do I receive the money?

If you are enrolled in direct deposit, the funds will be deposited into the bank account on file. If you do not have direct deposit set up with the College, you will receive a paper check in the mail.  For direct deposit, please allow 21 days from the date approved before reaching out to singlestop [at] ccp.edu (singlestop[at]ccp[dot]edu).  For paper checks, please check you to ensure that your mailing/permanent address is up to date. 

From January through April, Single Stop brings certified tax preparers to assist students in preparing and filing their tax returns and/or amendments. This service is only available during tax season and helps students maximize their tax return by making sure that they can obtain all available tax credits, including but not limited to the Earned Income, American Opportunity and/or Child without making mistakes. This service is offered to students currently taking classes and earning under $55,000 dollars per year.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare), Single Stop staff and certified healthcare navigators help students review different healthcare options including the state plan (Medicaid), free sliding scale alternatives, and plans offered through the Marketplace exchange during the open enrollment period (November through December 15).

Attorneys and advocates offer free legal advice and answer questions about:

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is life getting the best of you? If you feel like you need someone to talk to, you can meet with a mental health professional at Single Stop every second and fourth Monday of the month between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., starting Monday, November 13. Greater Philadelphia Health Action will be providing free mental health consultations for CCP students. Students who have health insurance should bring their health insurance card, but is not a requirement. Please email singlestop [at] ccp.edu (singlestop[at]ccp[dot]edu) to schedule an appointment.

• Public Benefits - Assistance for issues with food stamps, cash and medical assistance, subsidized childcare and benefits issues for immigrants.
• Employment - Assistance with unpaid wages and record expungement.
• Housing - Assistance with unfair evictions, illegal lockouts, repairs, and housing problems related to domestic violence.
• Utilities - Assistance with shut-offs and billing/service issues.
• Consumer - Assistance with fraud, bankruptcy, and debt collection/harassment.
• Immigration - Pro-bono attorneys provide assistance with immigration law inquiries, D.A.C.A., sponsorship, status adjustments, naturalization, and citizenship process.

Note: Single Stop partners with Community Legal Service and pro-bono attorneys to provide this service free of cost. Additional legal referrals will be arranged based on specific students' needs.

With the guidance of a certified financial coach, students establish goals to become empowered and financially fit by understanding how to best make informed decisions about financial matters including banking, credit, debt management, student loans, financial planning, starting an emergency fund, securing housing, transportation, and much more!

After completing the screening process, Single Stop staff determine additional internal and external services and resources to help students stay on their path to success.