CARES Act/HEERF

American Rescue Plan (ARP) - HEERF III (Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds) and Supplemental Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education (SAIHE) student grants

2022 Spring Semester, 2022 Summer Semester & 2022 Fall Semester (SSARP)

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grants Spring 2023

Haywood Community College has some remaining funds from previous SAIHE,HEERF and ARP grants.  These funds will be disbursed during the Spring 2023 semester as student emergency grants.  Eligibility of these funds include the following:

• Completed 2022-23 FAFSA
• Registered for at least 8 credits
• Program of Study must be a Diploma or Associate Degree level

Each student who meets the above criteria will receive $250 by check.  This check will be mailed to the address on file with the Enrollment Management Office the week of April 17th.

 

SSARP Emergency Grants for Fall 2022

Haywood Community College received an additional supplemental grant of $304,315 of which at least 50% of this is to be used for student emergency grants.  HCC has made the decision to use $154,315 of these funds for student emergency grants.  These grants will be disbursed by check to students the week of September 6th.  Each eligible student will receive $300.  Eligibility of these funds requires that a student is enrolled in a curriculum program of study leading to a degree and also have a completed 2022-23 FAFSA on file. 

ARP and SAIHE Emergency Grants for Eligible Students

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, PL 117-2 (ARP) was signed into law. ARP appropriated approximately $39.6 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and represents the third stream of funding appropriated to colleges and universities to assist students with emergency grants in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Under ARP, HCC received an allocation of $1,284,000 to be awarded directly to students in the form of emergency grants to assist with expenses associated with COVID-19, including (but not limited to) food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and child care.

HCC also received additional funding through Supplemental Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education (SAIHE) under PL 116-20 III Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations ACT, 2021, in the amount of $453,380, to be used as direct grants and support to students.

There is no application needed for 2022 Spring or 2022 Summer Semester ARP & SAIHE Block Emergency Grant.  
Eligible students will automatically receive a block grant based on the following criteria and will notified of their eligibility through HCC email accounts.  ARP HEERF III Emergency Grant eligibility is based on:

• Attending classes in the 2022 Spring or Summer 2022 term
• Eligible Program of Study
• Enrollment Status (FT, QT, HT, or LTHT)
• No FAFSA required

To ensure that funding is awarded to those students with the highest need, ARP HEERF III Emergency Grant amounts for the 2022 Spring semester will be prioritized and vary depending on the individual student’s EFC as determined by the 21-22 FAFSA and enrollment status as follows:

Students who have additional extenuating circumstances and unexpected financial emergency needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for additional emergency grant funding.  Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information and to apply.

Summer 2022 payments were determined by the following criteria:

 

 

American Rescue Plan (ARP) - HEERF III Emergency Grants for Students

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) of 2021. The ARP provided approximately $39.6 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).  HEERF III is structured like the HEERF II programs under the CRRSAA with some important differences.  HCC was awarded Approximately $1.2 Million from this funding. As with the CRRSAA funding, HCC must determine exceptional need for this funding. HCC has defined exceptional need as those students who have completed the 2021-22 FAFSA and are eligible for the maximum Pell Grant award OR those students who have experienced a loss of income or a significant expense due to the corona virusus pandemic. 

There is no application needed for 2021 Fall Semester ARP HEERF III Block Emergency Grant.  Eligible students will automatically receive a block grant based on the following criteria and will be notified of their eligibility through HCC email accounts. ARP HEERF III Emergency Grant eligibility is based on:

• Eligible Program of Study
• Enrollment Status (FT, QT, HT, or LTHT)
• Must have High School Diploma, GED, or AHS
• No FAFSA required

To ensure that funding is awarded to those students with the highest need, ARP HEERF III Emergency Grant amounts for the 2021 fall semester will be prioritized and vary depending on the individual student’s EFC as determined by the 21-22 FAFSA and enrollment status as follows:

Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Emergency Grants

2021 Summer CRRSAA and ARP Eligible Students:

There is no application needed for 2021 Summer Semester CRRSAA/ARP Block Emergency Grant.  Eligible students will automatically receive a block grant based on the following criteria and will be notified of their eligibility through HCC email accounts. ARP HEERF III Emergency Grant eligibility is based on:

• Eligible Program of Study
• Enrollment Status (FT, QT, HT, LTHT)
• Must have High School Diploma, GED, or AHS
• No FAFSA required

To ensure that funding is awarded to those students with the highest need, ARP HEERF III Emergency Grant amounts for the 2021 summer semester will be prioritized and vary depending on the individual student's EFC as determined by the 20-21 FAFSA and enrollment status as follows:

 

2021 Spring CRRSAA Eligible Students:

HCC has received $307,193 in additional funding from the CARES Act and HEERF II under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act (CRRSAA). 

The  CRRSAA, which establishes and funds the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II), directs institutions of higher education to use funds received under Section 314(a)(1), (a)(4) HEERF II to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus. To qualify for HEERF II emergency grants, students must be currently enrolled in a qualified program. 

The CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need.  HCC has defined exceptional need as those students who have completed the 2020-21 FAFSA and are eligible for the maximum Pell Grant award. These students will be awarded a grant based on their spring 2021 enrollment status.

All other students may apply for the CRRSAA Emergency Grant by completing the request form and submitting it to the Financial Aid Office.  These funds will be awarded based on student need and on a first come, first served basis until funds are depleted. 

All CRRSAA Emergency Grants will be distributed by check and mailed to the student’s address on file.**  These grants may be used for emergency costs that arise due to corona virusirus, such as food, housing, utilities, health care or child care.  

** The only exception to this will be if a student chooses to complete an authorization form which will allow HCC to apply this to tuition and fees on the student’s account.

Important Update: HCC has received $307,193 in additional funding from the CARES Act and HEERF II under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act (CRRSAA). 

 CRRSAA, which establishes and funds the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II), directs institutions of higher education to use funds received under Section 314(a)(1), (a)(4) HEERF II to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for emergency costs that arise due corona virusirus. 

To qualify for HEERF II emergency grants, students must be currently enrolled in a qualified program. 

CRRSAA Emergency Grants will be distributed by check and mailed to the student’s address on file.**  These grants may be used for emergency costs that arise due to corona virusirus, such as food, housing, utilities, health care or child care. 

** The only exception to this will be if a student chooses to complete an authorization form which will allow HCC to apply this to tuition and fees on the student’s account. 

As of July 13, 2021, CRRSAA funds have been awarded.  These funds no longer require an application and all eligible students registered for the summer 2021 semester will be mailed a check. Eligibility amount was determined using the following chart: 

 All other students who have a 2020-21 FAFSA on file and have greater than EFC, will receive $500.  Those students who have not filed a FAFSA may apply be completing the HEERF request.  These students will be awarded $500 on a first come, first served basis until funds are depleted. 

HEERF CARES ACT 

Under the Certification and Agreement with the Department of Education signed on May 13, 2020, Haywood Community College has received an allocation of $614,386 in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) authorized through provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. $307,135 of this funding was received under Section 18004(a)(1) to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to our students. 

Haywood Community College will distribute these awards based on the following guidance given by the Department of Education as of May 20, 2020: 

1. A curriculum student must meet the following criteria under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965: 
2. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or certificate program; 
3. Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school; 
4. For currently enrolled students, be making satisfactory academic progress; 
5. Not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans; 
6. Not be in default on a Title IV loan; 
7. Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen; 
8. Have returned fraudulently obtained Title IV funds if convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to charges; 
9. Not have fraudulently received Title IV loans in excess of annual or aggregate limits; 
10. Have repaid Title IV loan amounts in excess of annual or aggregate limits if obtained inadvertently; 
11. Have Selective Service registration verified; 
12. Have Social Security Number verified; and 
13. Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations. 
14. The student’s enrollment status is as of March 13, 2020 and they must be enrolled in at least one seated class. 
15. The student’s expected family contribution (EFC). 

HCC has determined that there are approximately 500 students who meet the above requirements to receive this funding. Students meeting the above criteria may apply by submitting the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds Request.  By completing the Form, students certify they incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations and instructional format due to COVID-19. Funding will be distributed to students by check, to the address on file. These funds may be used to the student’s discretion for any expenses related to the disruption of campus due to COVID 19. 

First consideration will be given to students who already have a 2019-20 FAFSA on file and submit their HEERF application by June 20, 2020.  All other applications received after that date from any curriculum student will be accepted and considered based on eligibility. These applications will be awarded as long as funding allows. 

Emergency funding amounts were determined by HCC”s senior staff and will be calculated as follows: 

American Rescue Plan (ARP) &SAIHE Funding Report

August 1, 2021 - $112,775 to 263 Students

October 30, 2021 - $627,818 to 904 Students

4th Quarter Report 2021 - (Oct 1-Dec 31) $14,856 in emergency grants direct to 51 students; $49,608.46 emergency payment to tuition/fees for 57 students

1st Quarter Report 2022 (Jan 1-March 30) $645,800 in emergency grants direct to 832 students. $117,508.34 emergency payments to tuition/fees for 146 students

Awarding guidelines as of August 25, 2020

HCC has revisited our awarding guidelines initially set in May 2020, and have made the following changes for Fall 2020: 

1. Priority groups have been established with the first group being those students who were registered in the Spring semester, met the guidelines given by the DOE and are now registered for the Fall 2020 semester.  These students must still be meeting the guidelines stated above, have completed a 2020-21 FAFSA and cannot be enrolled in one of HCC’s online programs.  All eligible students will be awarded $900 to assist with expenses related to the disruption of campus due to COVID 19. 
2. The second priority group will be those new students who meet the DOE guidelines, have completed a 2020-21 FAFSA and complete the HEERF request form. 

CARES Act Funds Report

June 18, 2020 

Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), directs institutions receiving funds to submit a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”). An initial report must be submitted to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date of the institution’s Certification and Agreement to the Department. The fund report must also be posted on the institution’s website in a location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter. 

HCC has been allotted $307,135, all of which will be disbursed directly to eligible students. 

Certification and Agreement

May 12, 2020:  Haywood Community College (HCC) signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. 

Funds Received

May 12, 2020:  HCC received the Grant Award Notification in the amount of $307,135 from the Department of Education pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for HEERF Emergency Grants to students. 

Funds Distributed

June 18, 2020:   $82,850 of Emergency Financial Aid Grants were distributed by check through HCC’s Business Office under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

July 24, 2020: A total of $105,150 of Emergency Financial Aid Grants were distributed by check through HCC’s Business Office under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

August 31, 2020: A total of $106,750 of Emergency Financial Aid Grants were distributed by check through HCC’s Business Office under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

September 16, 2020: A total of $275,800 of Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed by check through HCC’s Business Office under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

November 24, 2020: A total of $283,900 of Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed by check through HCC’s Business Office under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

January 19, 2021: A total of $287,500 of Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed by check through HCC’s Business Office under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

February 5, 2021: A total of $299,200 of Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed by check through HCC’s Business Office under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

May 15, 2021: A total of $307,193 (all funding) of Emergency Financial Aid Gratns have been distributed by check through the HCC's Business Office under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Students Receiving Funds

June 18, 2020:  105 students have received a HEERF CARES Act Emergency Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of June 18, 2020. 

July 24, 2020: 134 Students have received a HEERF CARES Act Emergency Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

August 31, 2020: 136 students have received a HEERF CARES Act Emergency Grant under Section 10804(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

September 16, 2020: 250 students have received a HEERF CARES Act Emergency Grant under Section 10801(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

November 24, 2020: 253 students have received a HEERF CARES Act Emergency Grant under Section 10801(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

January 19, 2021: 258 Students have received a HEERF CARES Act Emergency Grant under Section 10801(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

February 5, 2021: 262 Students have received a HEERF CARES Act Emergency Grant under Section 10801(a)(1) of the CARES Act. 

Guidance Provided to Students Regarding Emergency Financial Aid Grants

May 20, 2020 – An email from HCC’s Financial Aid Office was sent to the initial 416 students providing guidance on the CARES Act funds, the availability of funds for emergency needs, and a direct link to the HEERF request form.  In addition, these students were mailed a paper copy of the request form with guidance on how to request the funds. 

All information and guidance was also posted on HCC’s website for students. 

June 16, 2020- A follow up email was sent to the 416 students. 

June 17, 2020- New information and banner with direct link to the CARES act page was added to HCC’s home page. 

June 29, 2020- Email was sent by our marketing department to all students registered for the Spring 2020 semester. 

August 23, 2020: Email was sent to all students registered for the Fall 2020 Semester who have filed their 2020-21 FAFSA. 

October/November 2020: CARES Emergency Grant information was updated AVISO resource page for students and the HCC newsletter.

HEERF II Funding Report

July 20, 2021: A total of $307,193.00 of Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been paid to 351 students.

March 31, 2021 Quarterly report – $254,793.00 paid to 312 students. 

April 30, 2021 – $264,543.00 paid to 332 students.

HEERF Institutional Funds - Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting

HCC also received $2,449,846.00 through the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act under Section 18004(a)(1) and $85.744.00 under Section 18004(a)(2) to provide assistance to the college for expenses related to the disruption of classes due to COVID-19. These expenses are outlined in the quarterly report. 

• Quarterly Report (July 1, 2020 – September 30, 2020) 
• Quarterly Report (October 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020) 
• Quarterly Report (January 1, 2021 – March 31, 2021) 
• Quarterly Report (April 1, 2021 – June 30, 2021) 
• Quarterly Report (July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021)
• Quarterly Report (October 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021)
• Quarterly Report (January 1, 2022 - March 31, 2022)
• Quarterly Report (April 1, 2022 - June 30, 2022)
• Quarterly Report (July 1, 2022 - September 30, 2022)
• Quarterly Report (October 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022)
• Quarterly Report (January 1, 2023 - March 31, 2023)
• Quarterly Report (April 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023)

Distribution of Section 18004(a)(2) Funds

December 15, 2020: Haywood Community College has made the decision to award these funds as student grants.  These grants will be awarded to those students who have completed the 2020-21 FAFSA, are not eligible for Federal or State Grants and are registered for the Spring 2021 semester.  These grants vary in amounts from $500- $1,000.  The quarterly report will be updated as these funds are disbursed. 

Contact Us

Monday – Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm,
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm

Phone: 828-627-4756
Email: hccaid@haywood.edu