The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund is amazing. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Also, it is authorized by Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021.
It provides $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education. This is to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, the ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by:
- The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA).
- Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid.
- Recovery and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
- Public Law 116-136.
Interestingly, emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion. To learn more about the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, continue reading.
Who is Eligible for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund?
You may ask: who can get the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund?
Who is eligible for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III? The answer is simple. It is for students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid. Also, it is for students who have exceptional financial needs.
The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) will use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data. This is to determine your eligibility.
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Important Facts about Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
If you are eligible to file a FAFSA or WASA but have not yet filed for it and need assistance, note. Please file a FAFSA at studentaid.gov and a WASFA at https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/wasfa.
Under U.S. Department of Education rules for the program, these funds can be awarded to:
- Undergraduate.
- Graduate and professional students.
However, they must be enrolled at the UW. Students enrolled through Continuum College fee-based degree programs are eligible for consideration too.
The UO has received funds under three federal stimulus programs:
- The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act known as HEERF I.
- The Federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) (known as HEERF II).
- Also, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) Act (known as HEERF III).
Funding from the CARES Act has been expended. Below are the requirements to be eligible to receive the other HEERF money and how those funds are distributed.
Domestic Students
Applicants must:
- Be an undergraduate, graduate, and law student who completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) or an Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA)
- Also currently be enrolled at the UO.
- Be students identified as having exceptional needs based on their FAFSA or ORSAA information.
Benefits
- Eligible expenses that are a part of a student’s cost of attendance or emergency costs such as tuition, food, housing, health care, or child care.
- Also, there is no application process.
- Award ($3,000 grants). And this is divided over the academic year to students with exceptional financial needs.
- Award ($2,000) grants. And this is divided over the academic year to students with less financial need.
Interestingly, the amounts were increased to $3,500 and $2,333 for students enrolled for the winter term.
International Students
Applicants must:
- Be continuing undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Also, they must have been in their program for at least one year. New students are not eligible.
- Also, currently, be enrolled at the UO.
- Be students identified as having exceptional needs. And this is as determined by International Student and Scholar Services.
Benefits
- Eligible expenses that are a part of a student’s cost of attendance or emergency costs such as tuition, food, housing, health care, or child care.
- Eligible students may apply online. Award amounts will be up to $3,000 in grants (divided over the academic year).
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All Students
The UO will also have funding available to assist students with emergency grants. Students may apply for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) – Emergency Grant 2021-22 HERE.
However, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled at the UO.
- Also, be students who have not already received HEERF Grant funds in 2021-22 based upon need from FAFSA or ORSAA information.
- Be students who have not already received HEERF Grant funds in 2021-22 based upon completing the HEERF application for international students.
- Also, be students with current documented expenses incurred during the 2021-22 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NOTE: Funds will be awarded until exhausted.
COVID-19 Isolation Fund
Students that have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing financial hardship may be eligible to apply for HEERF Funds. This is to assist with the cost of a required period of self-isolation.
Impacted students can apply for and receive up to $700. This is for documented hotel and food costs incurred while in a standard self-isolation period of time.
Applications for funding will be considered on a funds-available basis. Documentation of expenses is required.
This is a wonderful opportunity. Ensure you make good use of this great opportunity. Also, feel free to relate this information to those you know may be in need of it.
