CARES Act emergency grants for students

App State is distributing federal emergency grants — in the form of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) — to students to help cover expenses due to the coronavirus. 

The federal CARES Act provided grant assistance to the university and direct aid to students. As part of CARES, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants were distributed in 2020 to students with financial need who met the minimum U.S. Department of Education criteria to be eligible. The new HEERF II grants, which App State will distribute in spring 2021 to all eligible enrolled students who are U.S. citizens, are part of the CRRSA passed Dec. 27, 2020. 

The first HEERF allocation (HEERF I) was $15,927,932. Of that amount:

• $7,963,966 (50%) was provided directly to students;
• $7,963,966 (50%) was provided to App State, and was issued as housing and dining refunds to students.

App State’s HEERF I distribution was completed in January 2021. 

The second round of HEERF funding (HEERF II) includes approximately $8 million for direct payments to students. It will be distributed by March 31, 2021, to approximately 18,000 eligible students as follows: 

• Undergraduate students receiving the Pell Grant in the 2020-21 academic year will receive $525. 
• Eligible graduate students and undergraduate students NOT receiving the Pell Grant during the 2020-21 academic year will receive $400.

The legislation specifies HEERF grant allocations must be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus and a student’s cost of attendance, such as:

• Food
• Housing
• Course materials
• Technology
• Relocation expenses
• Health care
• Child care
• Transportation

Am I eligible for HEERF II Assistance?

You are eligible for the second round of HEERF assistance if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently enrolled in classes at App State for the spring 2021 semester.

How much can I expect to receive?

Based on federal guidance that preference should be given to students with exceptional need:

• The award for undergraduate students receiving a Pell grant in the academic year 2020-21 is $525.
• The award for eligible students enrolled in spring 2021 who are not receiving a Pell grant is $400.

How can I get my grant?

1. Direct deposit: The fastest way to receive your grant is via direct deposit. Sign up for direct deposit through Student Accounts.
2. Mail: If you are not signed up for direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to the address on file for you in Student Accounts. Please make sure your mailing address is correct. (Note: You can change your address in AppalNet by clicking on the Personal information tab, and then the “Update Address and Telephone Numbers” link.)

There is no need to apply. Eligible students will receive funding automatically.

Are CARES and CRRSA funding part of my financial aid package?

No. This is not Financial Aid and will not count toward or be included in any financial aid package or college loans you receive.

Do I need to pay CARES or CRRSA funds back?

No. This is an emergency relief grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help enrolled students cover expenses they experienced due to the campus disruption caused by COVID-19.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

General questions:
enrollment-mgmt@appstate.edu
828-262-7244

Questions about eligibility:
Office of Student Financial Aid
financialaid@appstate.edu
828-262-2190

Questions about disbursements and student accounts:
Student Accounts
studentaccounts@appstate.edu
828-262-2113

Questions about available aid and emergency assistance:
Office of the Dean of Students
dos@appstate.edu
828-262-8284