Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA): Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II
Through the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú has been awarded additional funds by the U.S. Department of Education to make emergency financial aid awards to assist students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue their education.
CRRSAA emergency financial aid awards are prioritized for students with exceptional financial need to cover costs, such as tuition and fees, food assistance, housing assistance, health care (including mental health care) emergencies, childcare emergencies, and other educational-related expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
What is the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental AppropriationsAct?
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) is federallegislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affectedby the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.
TheCRRSAA includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERFII) that providesmore than $22 billion in emergency funding to higher education.
Am I eligible to receiveHEERF IIfunding?
You may be eligible for HEERF II funding if you:
- Have a 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with theFinancial Aid Office;
- If selected, are able to have completed verification requirements;
- Are a US citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- Have an expected family contribution;
- Are currently enrolled in courses
Exclusion criteria: Non-degree students, visiting students, or students who have graduated or withdrawn, and College of ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú employees and their spouses who are using a faculty/staff tuition benefit are not eligible for this emergency grant funding.
Federal guidelines also exclude undocumented and international students from receiving CRRSAA funds.
What expenses can be considered forHEERF IIfunding?
The following expenses can be considered for HEERF II funding:
- Food;
- Housing;
- Course Materials;
- Technology;
- Health Care;
- Childcare expenses;
- Technology
How do I apply?
Studentswho are eligiblewill receive an emailfrom the Office of Financial Aidconfirming theireligibility and requesting further details about where the emergency funds should be deposited. If not awarded funding initially, but funding is needed, you can apply using the college™s Emergency Aid Request Form, available in the Dean of Students™ Office. Once an application is received, the Emergency Aid Review Committee reviews each request individually and will be in touch with students. Students are able to indicate on the application form how they would like the funds disbursed, either applied to their student account to support their tuition charges, or directly to them.
How much will I receive?
We are committed to assisting all eligible students that may have been impacted by thecoronavirus pandemic to thegreatest extent possible with theHEERF IIfunds available. Youshould request funds based on your actual financial need for expenses due to coronavirus, suchas food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, childcare, and tuition. The actualamount each student will receive is based on need, the number of applications received and thefunds available.
How will I receive this money?
The amount for which you were approved will be indicated in an e-mail sent to your College of ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú email address by the Financial Aid Office. The funds will be disbursed according to the option you selected at the time of your application, either a credit to your student account, a direct deposit to your bank account, or a check mailed to your on-campus mail box. If applied to your student account, the description will read Emergency Grant/COVID.
Do I need to repay this money?
No, you will not need to repay any money received through this fund.
Will I be eligible for future governmentfunding?
If you receive HEERF II funding in the spring, you are still eligible to receive future government funding when it becomes available.
Does this funding affect my other financial aid?
No, this is aspecial grant to help you continue your education despite the impact of thecoronavirus; it will not have any impact on other financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
What if I still have an account balance?
AnyHEERF IIfunding awarded to you will be paid to you directly, and it will not cover anyoutstanding balances owed toºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»ú. Any outstanding balance owed toºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úwill remain the responsibility of the student.
Are these grants taxable?
No. The IRS has announced that the funds do not need to be reported as taxable income at year end. Please seefor more information.
Further Questions
Please contact the Financial Aid Office atfinancialaid@wooster.edu or 330-263-2317 with additional questions.