Acceptable student budget increases

• Computer purchase – This is a one-time allowance up to $1,500. The computer must be purchased from a retail or online retail store.
  You will need to submit an itemized receipt as proof of purchase, along with the “Budget Increase for Computer Purchase” form,
  and the appropriate loan paperwork. You will need to submit an itemized receipt as proof of purchase, along with the "Budget Increase
  for Computer Purchase" form. You will need to complete the appropriate loan paperwork to cover the budget increase.
  
  
• Dependent Care – Students with dependent children may request additional funds to assist with expenses.
  Click here for the form and you will need to complete the appropriate loan paperwork to cover the budget increase.
   

• Maintenance prescription drugs – Students who are required to take prescription drugs on a maintenance basis may request a budget increase.
  Click here for the request form.
   

• Medical, Dental, Optical expenses –Students who have necessary medical, dental or optical expenses not covered by insurance may request a
  budget addition. Budget additions for dental and optical expenses will only be allowed for necessary treatment. Click here for the request form.
  

• Private Health Insurance – Students who must carry a private health insurance policy because of a pre-existing condition may add the cost of the
  insurance to their budget. Required documentation must describe why the student is required to maintain the extra policy and a statement from the
  insurer showing the current annual premium charged and period covered. Click here for the request form.
  
  
• Bar Expenses - An allowance for the one time direct costs of obtaining a first professional license or certificate for students who are enrolled in a
  program that requires such professional licensure or certification. This allowance may only be provided one time per student per eligible academic
  program. Examples of allowable costs are fees charged to take a licensing exam and costs of applying for and obtaining the license or certification.
  The cost must be incurred during (not after) a period of enrollment, even if the exam is after the end of the period.  Click here for the request form.

In order to secure funding for the increases listed above, you have 3 options.

• Use any remaining Federal Direct Loan money available to you ($20,500).
  You can access your financial aid records by logging into your SalukiNet account
  or checking with Pat Caporale.
  
• Apply for a SIU Graduate PLUS Loan.
  
• Apply for a private educational loan.

Pat Caporale, in the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and will fax your completed paperwork
to the SIU Financial Aid Office. Please see Pat with any questions.

Updated 9-3-09