Stipend Checks

Fellowship stipends are distributed semi-monthly (twice each month, on the 15th and the 31st, or the Friday preceding these dates) over the calendar period for which they are awarded. In most cases, the award period is for the 12-month period beginning September 1 and ending August 31. The first check of the semester will be issued on September 15. To determine the amount of each of your semi-monthly checks, divide the amount of your stipend by the number of months for which it is awarded (usually nine months) and then divide again by two (stipends are distributed twice each month). A $25,000 stipend will be distributed in 24 equal installments of $1,042 each, beginning on September 15 and ending on August 31.

The September 15th check for all first-year students is directed to the home department and may be obtained from your departmental Registrar. We encourage students to sign up for direct deposit to a local bank, once they have arrived in New Haven and have determined which bank or credit union best suits their needs. Forms (down load form) for directing stipend checks to banks, credit unions, or local mailing addresses are available at the Financial Aid Office or from departmental registrars. Until the Financial Aid Office receives notice of alternative plans, checks will continue to be directed to departmental addresses.

Please note that check addresses may be changed at only one place: the Financial Aid Office of the Graduate School, Room 129 HGS. The FAS Registrar's Office, which maintains records for all other types of mailing addresses, cannot record changes in check addresses.

We encourage students to arrive in New Haven with sufficient cash available to cover the initial costs of apartment deposits (usually one month's rent), utility connections, food, transportation, and other basic maintenance costs until the first stipend checks are distributed in mid-September. In the event of urgent need, students may request an advance of up to $500, available within three days after application. Application for the advance must be made in person at the Financial Aid Office, Room 129 HGS no earlier than Orientation. This stipend advance may be repaid by gradual deduction from subsequent stipend checks, through the end of the calendar year, and is available only to students admitted with a stipend sufficient to repay the full amount by December 31.