Basic Needs

Getting Started

If you are a Penn State student facing challenges with access to food, stable housing, or meeting other basic needs, World Campus Student Care and Advocacy can help. You can complete the Basic Needs Assistance Request form for yourself or on behalf of someone you know. This form is confidential; if you submit it on someone else’s behalf, they will not know who submitted it for them.

Student Care and Advocacy will review the completed form and provide resources via email. You will also have the option to meet with a case manager in Student Care and Advocacy to walk through the resources and ask any questions.

If you need help or have questions about your unique needs, reach out for support. A Student Care and Advocacy case manager will contact you by email or phone to discuss next steps. Your Penn State email address will be the first point of contact, so please ensure you check this regularly.

Food Support

Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. This could be ongoing for many years or could be a short-term challenge brought on by any number of circumstances. Many challenges can contribute to food insecurity, including:

  • food not lasting until a person is able to purchase more
  • not being able to afford balanced meals
  • cutting meal sizes or skipping meals because there isn’t enough money for food

If you are facing any of these challenges, Penn State staff are here to support you. Resources are available to provide assistance with groceries, meals, toiletries, basic household items, clothing, and more. Students should start by completing the Basic Needs Assistance Request Form.

Community Food Banks and Federal Assistance

Many communities around the country have food pantries and food banks that students can access. In addition, there are food pantries available to Penn State students on some Penn State campuses.

Housing Resources

If you are experiencing housing insecurity, state and federal assistance programs may be available to students who: 

  • do not have stable housing
  • are unable to pay their utility bills
  • lack health insurance
  • are unemployed

Students with children may have access to additional programs.

Pennsylvania resident students can apply for assistance programs via the PA COMPASS website. To learn more about any of the programs or for assistance with applying, complete the Basic Needs Assistance Request Form to get started.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits

In an effort to address food insecurity for college students, SNAP has made changes to its eligibility requirements. You may be eligible for SNAP benefits if:

  • you qualify for a work-study program (even if you are not participating in one)
  • you have an expected family contribution of $0 on your federal student aid determination

If you are under 22 and live at home with your parents, you will receive a benefit commensurate to your household size.

Health and Personal Resources

Many students encounter health challenges during college. There are resources that can help you through any medical or mental health challenges that might disrupt your academic pursuits.

Whether you are dealing with a long-term illness, an injury that leaves you permanently or temporarily disabled, or some other issue, you are encouraged to contact us with any questions or concerns about how this may impact your status at the University. We will work to connect you with resources, advise you on managing your courseload, and offer whatever support we can provide. Our goal is to ensure that you effectively balance your own health and well-being with the academic demands of Penn State.

Penn State World Campus provides reasonable accommodations and services to students with disabilities. If you need to request accommodations for an ongoing disability, contact Student Disability Services to schedule an intake appointment with a disability specialist.

Our disability specialists can also help with certain temporary or short-term conditions, and you may also choose to work directly with instructors to discuss your needs related to a short-term injury or illness.

If you are unable to notify your instructor of class absences, the Student Care and Advocacy team may be able to send a general notification to your instructors to inform them of which classes you've missed and your expected return date, if known. We are happy to serve as a liaison until it is reasonable for you to resume your studies.

This notification is sent as a courtesy notification that your circumstances may warrant a valid absence from class. Any academic accommodations or arrangements to make up missed work must be agreed upon between you and the faculty member.

If you are admitted to a hospital, you can submit the Basic Needs Assistance Request form so Care and Concern staff can inform faculty about any absences due to hospitalization. We are not permitted to share student information with anyone unless that student has signed a Consent for Release of Information to Third Parties form.

Student Care and Advocacy works closely with World Campus mental health case managers to provide students with the support they need, especially when managing the impact mental health emergencies or related issues can have on their academics. Many students choose to sign an information release with their counselor so that Student Care and Advocacy can stay informed of their progress and know how best to help.

Because mental health issues can cause a great disruption to academic, social, and general well-being, we urge students to work with mental health case managers for support and resources. Student Care and Advocacy requires a signed informed consent form to speak with the mental health case manager.

We recognize that financial insecurity has a detrimental impact on not only a student’s academic performance but their overall health. Being proactive about your health and understanding your health insurance coverage can help you avoid distressing situations.

Student Care and Advocacy can consult with uninsured and underinsured students to assist them in identifying health insurance options, including Medicaid or Affordable Care Act marketplace plans. Get started by completing the Basic Needs Assistance Request Form.

World Campus Students do not qualify for Penn State Health Insurance or any Penn State medical programs.

Worrying about how to meet basic needs while juggling academic work, friends, family, and more can take a toll on your mental wellness. World Campus mental health case managers offer a variety of services to support you.