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CARES Act Student Emergency Aid Funding FAQs

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed on March 27, 2020 to address unmet financial and health needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among its provisions is the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund which directs institutions of higher education to use no less than 50 percent of funds received under Sections 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid awards to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. Eligible expenses include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and childcare expenses. 

  • Am I eligible for CARES Act funds?
    • Eligible students for CARES Act funding are Title IV eligible. Title IV requirements include all but are not limited to:
      • Enrolled in a degree, certificate or other recognized educational credential, that is, a regular student under 34_CFR_600.2
      • Eligible to file a FAFSA
      • US Citizen or eligible noncitizen
      • Valid Social Security Number
      • Registered with Selective Service
      • High School Diploma or its recognized equivalent
      • Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
      • Not in default or overpayment on Title IV program
    • Eligible students must have been enrolled at the time of the emergency declaration (March 13, 2020/Spring 2020)
    • Students enrolled exclusively in online courses at the time of the emergency declaration (March 13, 2020) are not eligible for CARES Act funding
  • I am an international student and not a citizen of the United States. Am I eligible for CARES Act funding?
    The U. S. Department of Education requires students to be eligible to receive federal Title IV financial aid in order to receive this funding. Therefore, most international students will not be eligible to receive CARES Act awards.
  • Do I need to apply for CARES Act funds?
    You do not need to apply for CARES Act funds. UNF has identified all potentially eligible students and will be contacting them via email with information regarding the awarding of funds.
  • What are the types of expenses covered by CARES Act funding?
    Eligible expenses for CARES Act funding include, but are not necessarily limited to, medical, food, housing, technology expenses, relocation costs to return home, unexpected childcare, course materials, and other unexpected expenses included in the student’s cost of attendance.
  • How much funding will I receive?
    Award amounts vary by student and are unique to each student’s circumstances. Awards are also contingent upon funds availability.
  • Can I use CARES Act funds to pay for my tuition and fees?
    Because the CARES Act is designed to address immediate needs (i.e. food insecurity, housing, technology, etc.) any funds you may receive will not be applied to your UNF bill. If after receiving these funds in your personal bank account, you wish to use them toward your UNF bill, you may make a payment towards your UNF bill
  • How long before I know if I'm awarded?
    Our goal is to provide funding as soon as possible. To help expedite the process, check your UNF email and myWings account regularly for award information.
  • What documentation am I required to submit for the CARES Act funding?
    To make the process easy and seamless, potentially eligible students will be sent an award certification via email. If eligible, the signed award certification is the only document you will need to submit!
  • If I'm awarded, how will I receive the funding?

    Direct Deposit (eRefund) is the fastest way to receive your funding. If you receive financial aid, you may have already enrolled to receive eRefunds.

     

    • Log into mywings.unf.edu
    • Choose Student on side menu
    • Select Student Resources, and then My Bill
    • Choose Sign Up under "Sign up for direct deposit refunds!" 
    • Complete Agreement and select "Continue"
    • Enter your banking account information and select "Continue"

     

    If you are not able to set up a direct deposit account, you will be mailed a paper check to the local mailing address on record with the university. Be advised that this method may delay the receipt of your award. 

  • What is the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA)?
    The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II provides additional Covid-19 emergency funding to universities to assist students in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • HEERF II Covid Relief Grant

    UNF has created the HEERF II Covid Relief Grant to distribute emergency grants to eligible students to help cover expenses related to the cost of attendance including tuition, food, housing, health care, child care or emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus.

    Per guidance from the federal government, these grants will be distributed to our students with exceptional need. You do not need to apply for the HEERF II Covid Relief Grant. UNF has identified all potentially eligible students and a separate email notification will be sent to each student who is receiving funding. 

    Eligible students will meet the following requirements:

    • Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student for spring 2021
    • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
    • Remaining unmet need

    Students noteligible for CRRSAA HEERF II funding and in need of financial help can apply for additional assistance through the Student Emergency Relief Fund

  • What is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP)?

    The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) granted additional funding to universities to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • HEERF III ARP Covid Grant

    UNF has created the HEERF III ARP Covid Grant to distribute emergency grants to eligible students to help cover expenses related to the cost of attendance including tuition, food, housing, health care, childcare or emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus.

    Per guidance from the federal government, these grants will be distributed to our students with exceptional need. You do not need to apply for the HEERF III ARP Covid Grant. UNF has identified all potentially eligible students and a separate email notification will be sent to each student who may receive funding.

    HEERF III ARP Covid Grants will be awarded by September 30, 2021 and will be prioritized by students with exceptional need.

    Students not eligible for HEERF III ARP funding and in need of financial help may apply for additional assistance through the Student Emergency Relief Fund.