Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund – Overview

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) was founded to provide financial assistance to colleges and students.

This grant is meant for those who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, there have been three different acts approved for providing funds under HEERF, namely:

#1. American Rescue Plan Act

#2. Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations

#3. Coronavirus Aid, Recovery and Economic Security (CARES) Act

These funds can be used for most components of the student’s expenses of attendance.

These funds can also be used for emergency costs that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the cost of tuition, food, housing, healthcare, childcare, etc.

Under this scheme, eligible candidates are awarded between US$ 300 to US$ 2,200. The specific amount will depend on several factors which are included in the student’s cost of attendance.

This includes the cost of living on campus, essential needs and student enrollment level (whether full-time or part-time).

The specific award amount for medical students is calculated based on the student’s socio-economic conditions, as mentioned on FAFSA, and the details provided on their funding application.

Block Grants Under HEERF

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund – Block Grants under HEERF

This group involves every student who has enrolled in at least one credit during the Spring 2022 semester. Summer and Fall 2021 students are also awarded the funds based on the same criteria.

This is a breakdown of the funding that students are eligible to receive under HEERF:

Award sub-population for Program Students

You will receive the following amount as HEERF funding if you are:

#1. Enrolled in 12 or more credits – Pell eligible = US$ 850

#2. Enrolled in 9 to 11 credits, Pell eligible = US$ 650

#3. Enrolled in 6 to 8 credits, Pell eligible = US$ 450

#4. Enrolled in 5 or fewer credits, Pell eligible = US$ 250

#5. Withdrawn students, Pell eligible = US$ 100

#6. Enrolled in 12 or more credits, non Pell eligible = US$ 650

#7. Enrolled in 9 to 11 credits, non Pell eligible = US$ 450

#8. Enrolled in 6 to 8 credits, non Pell eligible = US$ 250

#9. Enrolled in 5 or fewer credits, non Pell eligible = US$ 100

#10. Withdrawn students, non Pell eligible = US$ 50

Award sub-populations for Non-Program Students

You will receive the following amount under HEERF as funding if you have:

#1. Enrolled in 9 or more credits = US$ 250

#2. Enrolled in 6 to 8 credits = US$ 150

#3. Enrolled in 2 to 5 credits = US$ 75

#4. Enrolled in 1 credit = US$ 50

Eligibility Requirements for HEERF

These are the eligibility criteria for US citizens and FAFSA-eligible non-citizens:

#1. You need to have a valid 2021-2022 FAFSA for Spring 2022 so it is recommended to submit your FAFSA at the earliest

#2. You must have enrollment in Spring 2022 classes

#3. You should not have grants, scholarships and/or fellowships that cover the cost of attendance for 2021-2022

#4. Undergraduate students should have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of US$ 20,000 or less

#5. Professional and graduate students should have an EFC of US$ 5,846 or less, besides not having a teaching or research assistantship for a quarter-time or more

#6. Your EFC should not be greater than your expected cost of attendance

#7. Students who fulfill the above-mentioned criteria do not need to apply separately for HEERF grants.

These are the eligibility requirements for International, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and other non-US citizens:

#1. Submit an application to disclose details of your financial needs before the submission deadline

#2. You can apply for funds to help with any portion of your cost of attendance, or any emergency costs resulting from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

#3. You must have an active enrollment in Spring 2022 classes

#4. You should not have any kind of grant, scholarship, and/or fellowship that can cover the cost of attendance for your 2021-2022 classes

#5. Professional and graduate students should not have an active teaching assistantship or research grant of quarter-time or more

Conclusion

Once your HEERF fund application is approved, you can expect to get a notification through email.

The emergency funds sent directly to you are a direct deposit into your designated bank account.

You can also receive the funding amount in the form of a check unless you have clearly instructed that the funds be sent directly to the university fee department.

Shubham Grover

I am a dedicated healthcare researcher and an enthusiast specializing in medical grants, medical education and research. Through my articles, I aim to empower healthcare professionals and researchers with valuable insights and resources to navigate these critical aspects effectively.

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