The University of California, Los Angeles, will allow professional students to increase the standardized budget intended to cover expenses above and beyond tuition/fees. This increase will grant access to additional federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans or Direct Unsubsidized loans. See below for qualifying conditions.
Loans for Computer Purchases
The U.S. Higher Education statute permits colleges and universities to allow students to use federal financial aid to purchase a computer. At UCLA, law students who wish to take advantage of this provision must obtain a Budget Increase Request Form. Students must complete the form and provide a computer purchase receipt. Keep all receipts!
Childcare/Eldercare Expenses
Students who provide for dependent children or elderly relatives while attending the UCLA School of Law may request a budget increase through our office by completing a Budget Increase Request Form and providing proof of payment. This proof can be in the form of receipts for childcare/eldercare, an original contract agreement with a licensed daycare/eldercare provider or preschool, or copies of canceled checks made payable to the childcare/eldercare provider (school tuition not covered). Our office will accept proof of payment that occurs during the enrollment period, only. Students who rely upon family members or close friends must pay with a check in order to receive the budget increase. Students who are not able to do so will not be permitted to add the additional expense to their nine-month budget.
Additionally, student budget increases do not cover child support payments. However, if the student will provide support through a direct payment to the childcare provider or preschool, then the petitioned request falls under the "childcare guidelines" and the student may request an increase.
Medical/Dental
Included in the standard budget is an allowance for minor medical and dental costs for the student only. Budgets may be increased for your expenses not covered by personal health insurance. Receipts must be obtained from the physician and submitted with the petition. Estimates will not be accepted. Only expenses incurred and paid during the enrollment period will be considered. Eligible students must submit a Budget Increase Request Form.
Rent
The standard budget expense for rent is $1,580/month. However, UCLA will allow up to an additional $400/month for rent expenses that exceed the standard allowance. Students with dependent children are eligible to apply for a total increase of up to $600/month. Students must submit a current rental or lease agreement that includes their name. Cancelled checks may be requested for audit purposes. Law students who wish to request a budget adjustment for rent can obtain a Housing Adjustment Form.
UCLA Campus Parking Permit
A student commuting to campus by car is allowed to adjust their budget for the cost of a UCLA on-campus semesterly or yearly parking permit. Proof of purchase and payment are required.
Books and Supplies
Student must submit the actual receipt(s) showing the total books and supplies purchased exceed the standard budget cost. Only expenses over the standard budget ($1,720) would be allowed for adjustment.
Special Projects
Additional expenses for Bar exam registration, special course projects, thesis preparation, research projects, and internship program expenses may be considered. For the Bar registration adjustment, you must submit verification of registration for the Bar. Only one Bar registration adjustment will be allowed. For other special projects submit an itemized budget, signed by a professor or an advisor on department letterhead, to verify that the expenses for the project are reasonable and necessary and pertain to the academic year.
Special Expenses for Students with Disabilities
We will consider documented expenses related to the education of students with disabilities.