There are many reasons why you might need to write a financial assistance letter, either to request help in paying tuition for college or university, to solicit relief for your lease to avoid eviction, or maybe you have just encountered a main life setback, such as a demise in the family.
Terrible circumstances don’t come with a calendar date and an alarm clock. They are not something you plan ahead of time. They hit you with no warning or aid, leaving you to waddle out of the problem.
Whatever reason compels you to write a financial assistance letter, it’s important to emphasize the gravity of the crisis simply and honestly. In this article, we walk you through everything you need to know to write a letter of assistance.
How to write a Financial Assistance letter
Before you begin your letter, remember that the objective of a financial assistance letter is to call for aid and support. Don’t use it as an avenue to vent, or make a demand. If you’re soliciting financial aid and assistance, politely state your case to those who can assist you.
- Start with a date to clearly state the time of your letter. E.g; January 19, 2022.
- The address and name of the person you are imploring for money should necessarily follow. Be sure to address your letter to the particular person in the financial aid office or wherever. If you don’t already have a contact, consult the department listing on the website, be it a school or government.
E.g; Ms. Madeleine Stewart
Office of Financial Aid
University(###) or College(###)
Street(###)
City,(###)
State(###),
Zip(###)
- Insert the address of the individual by name. You want to ascertain a somewhat personal yet respectful tone. Avoid honoring them solely by their title. Be direct, concise, and civil. E.g; Mr. Matthews, Mrs. Jones, Ms. Atkinson, etc.
- The next step is to write the body of the letter. Explain succinctly the cause of the financial hardship. Be specific and honest about what has changed and about the amount of money needed to alleviate your circumstantial need for assistance. It’s important to explain what had occurred but not sugarcoat your words or get tempted to tell a lie.
Dishonesty would certainly bounce back in a bad way, disqualifying you from getting any financial aid. Provide as much documentation if in need and work on your conclusion. - To conclude, end your letter by thanking the financial aid office for considering your request, and assure that the financial aid would guarantee you success and stellar achievement in whatever academic field you find yourself in (if you are writing for school).
- Add a complimentary close, your address, and your email, just in case the office decides to write you back.
E.g, Sincerely,(the complimentary close)
Mae McDonald
16 Street(###)
City,(###)
State (###)
Zip(###)
Phone Number (###)
Email(###)
Tips for Writing a Profitable Financial Assistance Letter
No matter how honest your story is, you should note that the office gets a lot of scam letters with dishonest sob stories. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success when considering writing a financial aid letter;
- Format your letter properly. This is for the sake of clarity and readability. Provide some background information about your situation, including any relevant financial details such as your income, expenses, and any debts or loans you may have. When you furnish your letter with concise details regarding your particular monetary situation, the numbers, and background information would guarantee credibility. It’s also a plus when they see that there isn’t much money from your side.
- Illustrate your predicament clearly and honestly. Be as specific and detailed as possible to help the reader understand your financial situation.
- Using more than one “thank you” would communicate humility. Open and close the letter with warm acknowledgments. Thank the reader for considering your appeal, even though you haven’t received the money yet.
- Clearly state the purpose of the financial assistance you’re seeking. Be specific about what you need the money for, whether it’s for medical bills, rent, tuition fees, or something else.
- Explain how the financial assistance will help you achieve your goals and improve your current situation.
- Indicate the financial assistance you need, being as realistic as possible. Provide an itemized list of expenses, if applicable.
- In the first paragraph, state why you are writing a financial assistance letter. Give a brief overview of your reasons for needing additional assistance. Use the second paragraph to further illustrate your financial situation and describe why you feel you deserve any assistance.
- Attach any supporting documents that may help your case, such as copies of bills, pay stubs, or medical reports. You can also include any letters of recommendation or references, if applicable.
Financial Assistance Letter to a School Example
January 19, 2022 Ms. Madeleine Stewart Office of Financial Aid University(###) or College(###) Street(###) City,(###) State(###), Zip(###) Dear [School Administration], I am writing to request financial assistance for my academic expenses for the upcoming semester. As a student at [Name of School], I am committed to achieving my educational goals and completing my degree program. However, due to unexpected circumstances, I am facing financial difficulties and require assistance to continue my studies. I am currently enrolled in [Name of Program] and have been studying diligently towards my degree. Unfortunately, my financial situation has become challenging, and I am struggling to pay for my tuition, textbooks, and other necessary expenses. I have explored all possible avenues for financial assistance, but I am still short of the necessary funds to continue my studies. Therefore, I am respectfully requesting that the school provide me with financial assistance to cover my academic expenses. I am willing to work part-time or participate in any available work-study programs to help offset the costs. I am committed to maintaining a high academic standard and will do everything in my power to ensure that I meet all of my academic requirements. I understand that the school receives many requests for financial assistance, and I appreciate any support that the school can provide to me. I am hopeful that with your help, I can continue my studies and achieve my academic goals. Thank you for considering my request for financial assistance. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Financial Assistance Letter to Government
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Date] [Government Official's Name] [Government Agency or Department] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code] Dear [Government Official's Name], I am writing to request financial assistance from the government to help me during this difficult time. Due to [briefly explain the circumstances that led to your financial hardship], I am experiencing financial difficulties and need help to make ends meet. I am currently [briefly explain your current situation, such as whether you are unemployed or underemployed, struggling to pay bills, facing medical bills, etc.]. Despite my best efforts, I am unable to meet my basic needs and cover my expenses. I am writing to request assistance from the government in the form of [briefly explain the type of assistance you are seeking, such as unemployment benefits, housing assistance, medical assistance, etc.]. I have explored other options and have found that government assistance is the only way I can get the help I need. I understand that the government receives many requests for assistance, but I hope that you can take the time to review my request and consider my situation. I am willing to provide any additional information you may need to evaluate my request, and I am committed to working with you to find a solution that works for everyone. Thank you for considering my request for financial assistance. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Conclusion
It’s important to be patient. You will not be answered immediately. Give it at least a week or two before following up. Before you do, make sure you have checked your spam folders and voicemails to make sure you didn’t miss a response. If you are certain there is none, email the person you addressed your letter. You can include a soft copy of your original letter for easy access. Keep your follow-up short, and extremely polite.