HEERF Emergency Grant

About the American Rescue Plan Act

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Through this fund, Benedictine University has $4,656,376 to use for emergency financial aid grants to students who are struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who is eligible for ARP funding?

In order for a student to be considered for a HEERF III Emergency Grant, the student must meet two criteria. First, all eligible students must be enrolled during the fall 2021 term. Second, all eligible students must demonstrate financial need as measured by the 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). In the event that a student’s FAFSA arrives with any comment codes (C-Codes) or is selected for institutional verification, the codes and verification must be cleared in order to make the EFC official.

Unlike the CARES Act and early implementation of the CRRSAA Act, the U.S. Department of Education does allow the emergency grant funds under the ARP program to be utilized by international, undocumented, and DACA students. If you are a student from one of these groups and you are able to file a FAFSA, a FAFSA will be required to determine your Emergency Grant eligibility. If you are a student from one of these groups and you are unable to file a FAFSA, a HEERF III Emergency Grant Application will be required to determine your need.

How are Emergency Grant amounts determined?

Benedictine University utilizes a hybrid approach when allocating HEERF III Emergency Grants under the American Rescue Plan to its students. Under this approach, Benedictine University will provide all students who have filed a FAFSA by October 5th, 2021, and who have passed the EFC threshold implemented by the institution, with an Emergency Grant. Students who have not filed a FAFSA by October 5th, 2021 but who are eligible to file a FAFSA may receive an emergency financial aid grant after their FAFSA is processed and they pass the criteria outlined above. Emergency grants offered to applicants who file a FAFSA after October 5th, 2021 will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis as determined by a student’s 21-22 FAFSA received date. HEERF III Emergency Grant amounts offered under the ARP program are determined by a student’s citizenship status, EFC, and program with an emphasis on higher awards being allocated to domestic undergraduate students who have a low EFC.

Benedictine University has also set aside ARP Emergency Grant funds for eligible students who continue to experience financial hardship after receiving their HEERF III Emergency Grant. Students can request additional emergency funds through an appeal application process.

All appeals applicants are advised to review and fully complete the appeals application found here. Students approved for additional funds via the appeals process will be notified of their eligibility via their Benedictine University email account. Awards are dependent on a student’s eligibility, financial need, the overall applicant pool, and available funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What emergency relief funds are available for students who do not qualify for a HEERF III Emergency Grant?

Benedictine University is committed to allowing all impacted students the opportunity to apply for emergency funding via the University’s Mission Fund. Because the Mission Fund pool is limited, an application does not guarantee an award will be given as awards will be dependent on a student’s financial need, the overall applicant pool, and available funds. Students who are interested in applying for emergency aid via the Mission Fund must complete and submit the Mission Fund application. Please note that if approved, the Mission Fund award will be applied to tuition and fees and will not result in funding being sent directly to the student.

How will Benedictine University distribute the funds?

Our school delivers your refund with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. Visit this link for more information. Your ARP Emergency Grant refund will be issued according to the preference you have selected with BankMobile Disbursements. If you do not have a refund preference selected, please contact [email protected] for assistance or follow the instructions under “how do I select a refund preference” found here.

How will students be notified if they are approved for emergency grant funding?

Students will be notified via their Benedictine University email account once their emergency grant has been awarded.

When will the emergency grant funds be available?

Funds will be processed on a rolling basis, beginning the end of October 2021.

Can you apply these funds to my current or past-due balance?

Yes. Recipients of HERRF III emergency grant funding may use the funding for any component of their cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.

If you wish to have your grant applied to your tuition, you must provide written (or electronic) affirmative consent to Benedictine University’s Business Office. It is worth noting that even if you do choose to have the funds applied to your tuition, you retain the option to receive a direct disbursement of the financial aid grant if/when needed.

What expenses are eligible to be covered using my emergency grant funding?

ARP Emergency Grant funds can be used to cover expenses related to any component of your cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to the coronarvirus. Examples of such expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Books and supplies needed for online course(s) completion
  • Technology needs for online course delivery (Internet, data plan, etc.)
  • Unexpected medical expenses
  • Expenses related to moving home or for storage
  • Child care
  • Food
  • Tuition
  • Health Care (including mental health care)

Will these funds count against my future financial aid eligibility?

No. The emergency grant will not impact your current or future aid eligibility.

Earlier this year, I was told I could not receive any additional aid due to being at my Cost of Attendance. Will I still be eligible to receive these funds?

ARP Emergency Grants are not counted against Cost of Attendance so students currently awarded to their Cost of Attendance will be eligible to receive this one-time offering.

Is there an application deadline for the award appeals?

Appeals applications will be reviewed beginning in December 2021 and will continue on a rolling basis until all funds have been exhausted. Because funding is limited, you are strongly encouraged to apply for an appeal ASAP.

Will there be emergency funds beyond the 2021-2022 academic year?

Benedictine University is concentrating on issuing the one-time award offerings during the fall 2021 term. Because the funding is limited, we anticipate that all funds will be utilized in short order. If all funding is not exhausted by the end of the fall term we will update this webpage and communicate the plan for distributing the remaining funds.

In addition to the funding provided by the federal government under ARP, Benedictine University is fortunate to have a Mission Fund provided by various donors. Through the University’s Mission Fund students can apply for financial assistance when faced with a financial hardship. Students interested in applying for additional financial assistance can complete an application found here.

What if my financial status changed since I filed my 2021-2022 FAFSA?

The Department of Education and Benedictine University’s Office of Financial Aid recognizes that the information collected by the FAFSA may not accurately reflect each student’s unique financial circumstances. If you feel that the information that was required to be reported on your FAFSA does not accurately reflect your family’s ability to contribute towards affording the cost of your degree, you may be eligible to appeal on the basis of special circumstances. More information on special circumstances including the qualifying circumstances and how to apply can be found here.

ARP Emergency Grant Quarterly Report

ARP Student

As of September 30, 2022, $4,656,250 in ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to a total of 1,761 students within the total potential pool of 3,174 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP). – FINAL REPORT

As of June 30, 2022, $4,638,500 in ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to a total of 1,755 students within the total potential pool of 3,174 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).

As of March 31, 2022, $4,646,750 in ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to a total of 1,761 students within the total potential pool of 3,174 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).

As of December 31, 2021, $2,352,750 in ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to a total of 1,585 students within the total potential pool of 3,174 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).

HEERF II Emergency Grant – CRRSAA

About the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) was passed by Congress and signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020 to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One section of the CRRSAA established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II). Through this fund, Benedictine University has $1,648,946 to use for emergency financial aid grants to students who are struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon review of the student demographic that makes up the entire Benedictine University population, it is estimated that the potential pool of students who may be CRRSAA eligible is 2,952.

Who is eligible for CRRSAA funding?

In order for a student to be considered for a HEERF II Emergency Grant, the student must meet three criteria. First, all eligible students must be enrolled during the spring 2021 term. Second, all eligible students must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Lastly, eligible students must demonstrate financial need as measured by the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). In the event that a student’s FAFSA arrives with any comment codes (C-Codes) or is selected for verification, the codes and verification must be cleared in order to make the EFC official.

On May 11, 2021, the Department of Education (ED) released an updated set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) grants under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Notably, the FAQs reverse a narrow position that had been taken by ED under the former administration, and the policy now allows “Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, other DREAMers, and similar undocumented students” as well as “international students” to receive HEERF grants. The policy guidance in the May 11, 2021 FAQs were followed up by a Final Rule that was published in the Federal Register on May 14, 2021.

How are Emergency Grant amounts determined?

Benedictine University utilizes a hybrid approach when allocating HEERF II Emergency Grants under CRRSAA to its students. Under this approach, Benedictine University provides all students who have filed a FAFSA by March 26th, 2021, and who have passed the citizenship requirement and EFC threshold implemented by the institution, with an Emergency Grant. Students who have not filed a FAFSA by March 26th, 2021 but who are eligible to file a FAFSA may receive an emergency financial aid grant after their FAFSA is processed and they pass the criteria outlined above. Emergency grants offered to applicants who file a FAFSA after March 26th, 2021 will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis as determined by a student’s 20-21 FAFSA received date. HEERF II Emergency Grant amounts offered under CRRSAA are determined by a student’s EFC with an emphasis on higher awards being allocated to students who have a low EFC.

Students who are not eligible to file a FAFSA due to their citizenship status will need to complete a HEERF Emergency Grant Application to have their eligibility for an Emergency Grant determined. Information collected on the HEERF Emergency Grant Application will be entered into an EFC calculator and the EFC that is generated will be used to determine an applicant’s Emergency Grant eligibility and award amount using the same criteria as those that are able to file a FAFSA.

Benedictine University has also set aside CRRSAA Emergency funds for eligible students who continue to experience financial hardship after receiving their HEERF II Emergency Grant. Students can request additional emergency funds through an appeal application process.

All appeals applicants are advised to review and fully complete the appeals application found here. Students approved for additional funds via the appeals process will be notified of their eligibility via their Benedictine University email account. Awards are dependent on a student’s eligibility, financial need, the overall applicant pool, and available funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What emergency relief funds are available for students not covered by CRRSAA?

Benedictine University is committed to allowing all impacted students the opportunity to apply for emergency funding via the University’s Mission Fund. Because the Mission Fund pool is limited, an application does not guarantee an award will be given as awards will be dependent on a student’s financial need, the overall applicant pool, and available funds. Students who are interested in applying for emergency aid via the Mission Fund must complete and submit the Mission Fund application.

How will Benedictine University distribute the funds?

Benedictine University partners with BankMobile to issue refunds to students. Your CRRSAA refund will be issued according to the preference you have selected with BankMobile. If you do not have a refund preference selected, please contact [email protected] for assistance or follow the instructions under “how do I select a refund preference” found here. When no selection is made, the delivery of your refund will be delayed an additional 21 days.

How will students be notified if they are approved for emergency grant funding?

Students will be notified via their Benedictine University email account once their emergency grant has been awarded.

When will the emergency grant funds be available?

Funds will be processed on a rolling basis, beginning in early April 2021.

Can you apply these funds to my current or past-due balance?

Yes. Recipients of HERRF II emergency grant funding may use the funding for any component of their cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.

If you wish to have your grant applied to your tuition, you must provide written (or electronic) affirmative consent to Benedictine University’s Business Office. It is worth noting that even if you do choose to have the funds applied to your tuition, you retain the option to receive a direct disbursement of the financial aid grant if/when needed.

What expenses are eligible to be covered using my emergency grant funding?

CRRSAA funds can be used to cover expenses related to any component of your cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to the coronarvirus. Examples of such expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Books and supplies needed for online course(s) completion
  • Technology needs for online course delivery (Internet, data plan, etc.)
  • Unexpected medical expenses
  • Expenses related to moving home or for storage
  • Child care
  • Food
  • Tuition
  • Health Care (including mental health care)

Will these funds count against my future financial aid eligibility?

No. The emergency grant will not impact your current or future aid eligibility.

Earlier this year, I was told I could not receive any additional aid due to being at my Cost of Attendance. Will I still be eligible to receive these funds?

CRRSAA emergency grants are not counted against Cost of Attendance so students currently awarded to their Cost of Attendance will be eligible to receive this one-time offering.

Is there an application deadline for the award appeals?

Appeals applications will be reviewed beginning in mid-April 2021 and will continue on a rolling basis until all funds have been exhausted. Because funding is limited, you are strongly encouraged to apply for an appeal ASAP.

Will there be emergency funds for 2021-22?

Benedictine University is concentrating on issuing the one-time award offerings during the spring term. Because the funding is limited, we anticipate that all funds will be utilized in short order. If all funding is not exhausted by the end of the spring term we will update this webpage and communicate the plan for distributing the remaining funds.

In addition to the funding provided by the federal government under CRRSAA, Benedictine University is fortunate to have a Mission Fund provided by various donors. Through the University’s Mission Fund students can apply for financial assistance when faced with a financial hardship. Students interested in applying for additional financial assistance can complete an application found here.

The Department of Education and Benedictine University’s Office of Financial Aid recognizes that the information collected by the FAFSA may not accurately reflect each student’s unique financial circumstances. If you feel that the information that was required to be reported on your FAFSA does not accurately reflect your family’s ability to contribute towards affording the cost of your degree, you may be eligible to appeal on the basis of special circumstances. More information on special circumstances including the qualifying circumstances and how to apply can be found here.

CRRSAA Emergency Grant Quarterly Report

CRRSAA Student

As of December 31, 2021, $1,644,696 in CRRSAA Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to a total of 1,933 students within the total potential pool of 2,952 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).

As of September 30, 2021, $1,644,696 in CRRSAA Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to a total of 1,933 students within the total potential pool of 2,952 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).

As of June 30, 2021, $1,643,204 in CRRSAA Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to a total of 1,935 students within the total potential pool of 2,952 students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)

CARES Act Emergency Grant Quarterly Reports

CARES Act Students
CARES Act Institutional