Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA): Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II
Through the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), The College of Wooster 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 Appropriations Act?
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.
The CRRSAA includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERFII) that provides more than $22 billion in emergency funding to higher education.
Am I eligible to receive HEERF II funding?
You may be eligible for HEERF II funding if you:
- Have a 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Financial 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Exclusion criteria: Non-degree students, visiting students, or students who have graduated or withdrawn, and College of Wooster employees and their spouses who are using a faculty/staff tuition benefit are not eligible for this emergency grant funding.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 for HEERF II funding?
The following expenses can be considered for HEERF II funding:
- Food;
- Housing;
- Course Materials;
- Technology;
- Health Care;
- Childcare expenses;
- Technology
How do I apply?
Students who are eligible will receive an email from the Office of Financial Aid confirming their eligibility 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 the coronavirus pandemic to the greatest extent possible with the HEERF II funds available. You should request funds based on your actual financial need for expenses due to coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, childcare, and tuition. The actual amount each student will receive is based on need, the number of applications received and the funds 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 Wooster 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 government funding?
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 a special grant to help you continue your education despite the impact of the coronavirus; it will not have any impact on other financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
What if I still have an account balance?
Any HEERF II funding awarded to you will be paid to you directly, and it will not cover any outstanding balances owed to The College of Wooster. Any outstanding balance owed to Wooster will 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 see the IRS website for more information.
Further Questions
Please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@wooster.edu or 330-263-2317 with additional questions.