1. Las Positas College
  2. Student Resource Guide
  3. Campus Resources

Student Resource Guide

Financial Assistance Resources

Assistance with Paying Bills

Find out about assistance programs offered in Alameda County by visiting this website.

CalFresh

Provides up to $194 a month per household member for purchasing food and these funds can now be used online at Amazon and Walmart.  

  • Interested in applying for CalFresh?
  • Already receiving CalFresh?
    • Check this flyer out for the new process in response to COVID-19.

CalMatters Financial Help and Safety Nets 

Detailed guidance and resources for during the coronavirus pandemic can be found here.

CARES Act Emergency Student Grants Opportunity

For more information on Federal CARES Act Emergency Student Grants and other available financial resources,  view the LPC Financial Aid's post about this.

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a cash payment ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.  The amount is based on income, age and whether you have children. Click on this link for a comprehensive guide to the EITC. To qualify you must:

    • Be age 18 or older
    • Earned between $1 and $30,000 in 2019
    • Have a social security number
    • Lived in California for more than half of 2019
  • File federal and state tax returns (required to receive the EITC even if you would otherwise not be required to file). Low-income filers can file for free at www.eztaxreturn.com/home.html 
    • Tax deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020

Economic Impact Payments

Up to $1200 per adult and $500 per child. Find out if you are eligible here.

  • Students with a bank account on file with the IRS from a previous tax return will automatically receive funds mid-April. For others it will take substantially longer. 
    • Students are encouraged to file a 2019 tax return ASAP and provide direct deposit info if possible.
  • Non-tax filers may also qualify. If you are a non-tax filer, you can apply here.

Income Benefits for College Students

This guide was prepared by John Burton Advocates for Youth.  It explains different resources that are currently available, who qualifies, how to apply for them, etc. 

Unemployment Benefits

Cash payments between $40 and $1050 per week for up to 39 weeks (amount depends on prior earnings). View this checklist of what you need to apply, then apply online here. 

  • Individuals who have been laid off or had hours reduced can qualify
    • Under new federal rules, many groups are newly eligible to apply including gig-workers, self-employed and part-time workers
  • Given the volume of claims it will likely take at least three weeks to receive benefits.
  • Claims take effect when you apply, not when you lost your job, so apply ASAP.
  • Applicants typically must answer yes to the question “Are you ready and willing to accept work that matches your work skills” to qualify.

For more information, visit the EDD's Unemployment Website. 

Utility Assistance

30-35% discount on electrical bill and 20% discount on gas bill. Visit this website to find the application for your local utility service.

  • Households of 1-2 must earn below $33,820. Caps increase for larger households