While the financial support package for students has increased significantly in recent years, you are not exactly taking home six figures each year. In particular at the beginning of your PhD, before your first paycheck shows up, money may be very tight. If you find yourself in a situation where you are suddenly faced with a major expense, or when you no longer know how to pay your bills, please talk to the GPD right away so that the Department can explore ways of helping you. You should also do your own research to determine whether you are eligible for one of the following emergency loan programs.
This should be the first loan program you check: The Graduate School offers interest-free short-term loans. The amount is up to $2,000 as of 2024, which is often sufficient to keep you afloat until your next paycheck shows up.
https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/grad/tuition_funding/campus-programs/emergency-loan-program.php
The Student Support Team offers loans for both undergraduate and graduate students, but the requirements are a bit more specific compared to the Graduate School Emergency Loan program:
The Student Emergency Support Fund provides limited grant funding to matriculated Stony Brook undergraduate and graduate students who are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis that may be impacting your ability to continue on your academic journey.
The fund is in place for students who have exhausted all financial aid resources, including available loans, to assist with educational needs (excluding tuition and housing)
https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/studentaffairs/studentsupport/SESF.php
Even though as a student you are not a member of the Union of University Professionals (UUP), UUP offers the UUP FAST Fund for students who are struggling financially. The old Facebook page for FAST Funds stated that this program is for undergraduate students only, but this wording no longer seems to appear on the current website.