Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) III

Timeline of HEERF III/ARP Process at JCU

• September 17, 2021 -- Notification to students eligible for automatic distribution that includes authorization to use funding for billed expenses   
• Week of September 27, 2021 -- Automatic distributions begin  
• Week of October 4, 2021 -- COVID Special Circumstances application opens  
• January 15, 2022 -- COVID Special Circumstances application closes

Every student registered as of September 7th is eligible for a distribution of HEERF III funding with the exception of exchange students, transient students and employees receiving tuition benefits.Determination of amount is based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrollment status (full-time/part-time). There is no application form. Notification of eligibility will be emailed to your JCU email address.

FAFSA Filers

• EFC ranges 0-5846 (Pell Eligibility)
  • $1000 if full-time 
  • $750 if part-time 
• EFC greater than 5846
  • $750 if full-time
  • $500 if part-time

Non-FAFSA filers

• $500 if full-time
• $350 if part-time

Automatic distributions will begin the week of September 27, 2021. An email will be sent to your JCU email when the funds have been awarded. Emergency grants will be processed through your JCU student account. If the funds are intended to assist with tuition expenses, students must give JCU authorization otherwise funds will be released via the direct deposit on record or a mailed check.

Expanded college students’ access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits (formerly called Food Stamps). 

• The federal government has also boosted the amount of the benefit – for someone who purchases and prepares their food alone, the SNAP benefit is $234 per month. Right now, because of the pandemic, everyone who qualifies for SNAP gets the maximum amount for their household size (see chart below).
• Eligible students can use SNAP benefits to buy food through an EBT card (which can be used as a debit card at qualifying retailers). You can use SNAP to buy food at supermarkets, local groceries, corner stores, farmers markets, and from Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi (through Instacart).
• To qualify for these expanded benefits, you must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Are eligible for work-study (even if you do not have a work-study job), OR
  • Have an “Estimated Family Contribution” of $0 (determined through the FAFSA process)

JCU has made the process of documentation easier by creating a direct link to your personal qualifying documents through your Student Profile on the Financial Services tab.

More information about the new, temporary exemptions can be found here. To find out how to apply, or for other questions about your SNAP eligibility, contact your local SNAP office.

Information regarding the COVID Special Circumstances/HEERF III/ARP funding was provided to the entire JCU community (students, parents, faculty, and staff) via the following methods:

• Emails to students, parents, faculty, and staff
• JCU Social Media Accounts (FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter)
• Postcards mailed to address on file
• Campus TV
• Inside JCU 
• HEERF III website
• Campus signage
  • Canvas
  • CSDI
  • Student Success
  • Residence Life
  • Student Engagement
  • Library
  • Common spaces (bathroom stalls)

NOTE: The Special Circumstance application closed on 1/15/2022.

In addition to the recent distribution of HEERF III funding, you may also qualify for an increase in federal/state aid or HEERF III funding through the special circumstance process.

If you or your family have experienced any of the following substantial changes in the family’s financial situation:

• Loss or reduction of income
• Excessive medical/dental expenses paid since 2019 
• Drastic loss of child support or alimony
• Receipt of one-time income reflected in 2019
• Recent death of parent/spouse
• Loss of benefits
• Divorce or separation
• Other situations that affect your financial situation

For review of your financial aid, you must have a 2021-2022 FAFSA on file and complete the special circumstance form. Additional documentation to support your circumstances will be required.

CLICK HERE to submit a COVID Special Circumstance application.

For more information on this process please contact caresact@jcu.edu.  

1. What is ARP?

   The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ARP is designed to facilitate the United States' recovery from the devastating economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

   ARP includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) that provides more than $39.6 billion in emergency funding to higher education to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.  

   John Carroll University will receive $3,002,880 to provide directly to students for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, and health care (including mental health care).

2. How will I receive this money? The money will be automatically distributed and processed via direct deposit or check. We strongly encourage you to opt to receive your funding via direct deposit. Direct deposit will result in more efficient processing and enable you to receive your money sooner than getting a check in the mail. 

3. Do I need to repay the money? No, you will not need to repay any money received through this fund.

4. Can the money be applied directly to my student account? Yes, the funds awarded to you can be applied directly to your outstanding account for tuition and/or room & board.  

5. Does this funding affect my other financial aid? No. This is an emergency grant to assist with costs of attendance and to manage unexpected expenses related to the coronavirus. It will not have any impact on other financial aid you may be eligible to receive.

6. Are the emergency grants taxable? Emergency funds disbursed through ARP are not considered taxable income.

7. Who can I contact for other questions? Please contact caresact@jcu.edu with any other questions you may have.