CARES ACT- Emergency Relief Grant(ARP-HEERF III)

American Relief Plan for students

(Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III)

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Relief Plan (ARP),

Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021 for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the pandemic.

Per Federal regulations, funds will be distributed prioritizing students with exceptional need.

HEERF III grants can be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for

emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, healthcare or

childcare. You do not have to pay back funds you receive from the HEERF III grant.

HEERF III Eligibility

All currently registered for 2021 Fall semester degree seeking students (undergraduate & graduate), regardless of whether they completed a FAFSA or are eligible for Title IV. That includes citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, other Dreamers, and similar undocumented students. International students may also receive HEERF. The Department encourages institutions to prioritize domestic students, especially undergraduates, in allocating this funding.  Block grants vary between $400-$1,000 depending on the student’s status.

Student's attendance has confirmed by 5 p.m. on September 10, 2021.

Other factors affecting eligibility and the amount awarded to students include:

• The type of need indicated on the application form.


• The numbers of credits students are currently registered for.


• Funds are limited and PTSA does not guarantee that every student who is eligible will receive funding.


• Amounts vary, depends on the status of student.

Process

Students can use application forms and submit it to FSA office. (fsa@ptsa.edu)

Financial Aid Office might ask to submit verification document.

All students submit “Emergency Grant II Consent Form ” to FSA office.

If I receive funds, what can I spend them on?

Students may choose how they wish to spend the funds. The school will not tell students how to use the funds they receive.

But it can be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student's cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare).

Do the funds need to be repaid?

No, the funds do not need to be repaid.

Can this funding reduce my financial aid?

No, these funds are exempt from the maximum financial aid amount students may receive.

Can I apply for funding more than once?

Students may only apply once.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Funds are limited. The sooner students apply the more likely they are to receive funds.

Could these funds be deemed taxable by the IRS?

CARES Act student payments are non-taxable, according to the IRS.

Can CARES Emergency Assistance Grant funds be applied to my tuition balance or account?

Please sign the “Emergency Grant II Consent Form”, then school will process it according to the student’s choice.

Who is eligible to receive a HEERF III grant?

Students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid and who have exceptional financial need can be considered for these funds.

Funds will disburse starting end of September 2021. Recipients will be notified via a message to their email if awarded HEERF III relief funds.

 

How much can I receive from the HEERF III grant?

Grant awards are dependent upon available funds.

How do I apply for a HEERF III grant?

FSA office contacted to every eligible student via e-mail and sent the application information.

Student needs to submit their completed application and documents to Student Financial Aid Services.

I am undocumented and/or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student. Am

I eligible for a HEERF III grant?

HEERF III emergency grant funding is available to undocumented students if you need emergency assistance. These funds are limited, and recipients must demonstrate exceptional financial need.  These funds are generally awarded to help with living expenses.

If I am eligible for a HEERF III grant, how will I receive the funds?

HEERF III grants will be disbursed by check by the Office, or can be credited to you school account

depending on your preference. This will occur as soon as possible on a disbursement schedule.

Additional questions?

You can reach to financial aid Office at fsa@ptsa.edu or 562)926-1023 (ext.302)