The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allotted $2.2 trillion to provide fast and direct economic aid to people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that money, approximately $14 billion was given to the Office of Postsecondary Education as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), referenced as HEERF I. Funds from HEERF I provided institutions with emergency aid grants for students, and institutional expenses related to COVID-19. WMed was initially allocated $78,563 under Section (a)(1), then an additional $421,437 under Section (a)(3).
HEERF Institutional Reports
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), and signed into law on December 27, 2020. The CRRSAA authorized $81.88 billion in support for education. On February 3, 2021 WMed was awarded $115,890, of which a minimum of $39,282 is assigned for students.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), and signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 20, 2021, WMed was allocated $214,638.
All funds from CRRSAA have been exhausted.
COVID-19 and Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF)
- I have additional expenses because of COVID-19. Is there any financial aid help?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law March 27, 2020 and provided grant money for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations. The CARES Act funds have been exhausted.
- How do I ask for money under the CARES Act?
The CARES Act (HEERF I) funds have been exhausted. We are no longer accepting applications. HEERF II and III funds did not require an application. All enrolled students were considered for the grant.
- How much money can I receive?
The CARES Act funds have been exhausted. The maximum grant per student did not exceed $6,195. However, actual awards were much lower in order to help as many students as possible. Students received up to $625 from HEERF II and III.
- Are there any eligibility requirements?
The CARES Act funds have been exhausted. Eligibility for the CARES Act, required students to be enrolled, and not on a Leave of Absence or graduated. Students also needed to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or be eligible to file a FAFSA. All enrolled students were considered for HEERF II and III, regardless of receipt of the FAFSA.
- Will the money go to tuition?
The CARES Act funds have been exhausted. Approved applications were electronically deposited to the student’s personal financial institution.
- What type of expenses qualified for the CARES Act?
Some examples include additional study aids, course material, study preps, child care, and technology for virtual learning.
- Will I have to repay this money at a later time?
The CARES Act funds have been exhausted. This is a grant and is not repaid.
- If I received the grant, did it affect my financial aid?
No, the grant was not part of your financial aid.
- Will the grant be considered income?
No, according to the IRS, these funds are not included in your taxable income. You may read more about this at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-higher-education-emergency-relief-fund-and-emergency-financial-aid-grants-under-the-cares-act.
- How long do I have to apply for this money?
The funds allocated to WMed were limited and have been exhausted. We are no longer accepting applications for the CARES Act funds.