Fellowship stipends normally are distributed on the 15th and the last day of the month (or the business day preceding these dates if they fall on a weekend or holiday) during the calendar period for which they are awarded. In most cases, the award is disbursed for a twelve-month period beginning September 1 and ending August 31. The schedule is somewhat different for first year students, as your first stipend check is distributed Aug.31.
To determine the amount of each semi-monthly check, students should divide the amount of their stipends by the number of months for which it is awarded (usually twelve months) and then divide again by two (as stipends are distributed twice each month). A $29,650 stipend, for example, will be distributed in 24 equal installments of $1,235.42 each, beginning on September 15 and ending on August 31.
The first check of the term will be issued on August 31 for all new GSAS doctoral students. This check will be directed to the department or degree program location and may be obtained from the departmental registrar. Paper checks will continue to be directed to the department or degree program location until direct deposit is established. See Financial Aid Website for Direct Deposit instructions.
The Graduate School encourages students to arrive in New Haven with sufficient credit or cash available to cover the initial costs of apartment deposits (if not already paid; usually one month’s rent), first month’s rent, utility connections, food, transportation, and other basic maintenance costs until the first stipend checks are distributed.