CARES ACT - HEERF GRANT
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY
(CARES) ACT
HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY
(CARES) ACT
HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS
HEERF III
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. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion. Additional information on the ARP Act can be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/arp.html.
Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds- Round 3
HEERF III
GRTS has been currently been approved for an additional $159,529 in financial grants to students.
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund - Round 2
HEERF II
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CRRSAA”) was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 27, 2020, to provide additional economic relief from COVID-19. Section 314 of the CRRSAA authorizes the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (“HEERF II”), which provide funds to institutions of higher education, like GRTS, for certain expenses related to the COVID-19 global pandemic and incurred on or after December 27, 2020. Notably, a portion of these funds are intended to be distributed directly to eligible students.
In January 2021, GRTS was approved for $56,780 in financial grants to students, which may 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, health care (including mental health care), or child care.
Students eligible for grants under the HEERF II at GRTS are those who:
HEERF II FAQs
Please review the FAQ items below for additional guidance regarding HEERF II student grant distributions.
Which students are eligible for HEERF II grants?
HEERF II student grant funds will be awarded as a block grants to GRTS students who meet these criteria:
I got this money as a refund. Does this mean my GRTS account balance has been paid off?
No. Distribution of HEERF II funds is made directly to students and not applied by the School toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by the student. As such, receipt of these funds does not indicate the recipient has satisfied their financial obligations to GRTS for any debts incurred during the pay periods. Please check on your current account balance to determine what you may still owe.
Can I use this money to pay off my GRTS balance?
Yes. GRTS is not authorized to apply HEERF II funds toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by a student without prior authorization. However, once the funds are received as a refund, students may choose to use the funds to pay off their outstanding account balance. Check with the Front office on the process.
Am I eligible to receive HEERF II funds if I am not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards?
Yes. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students not meeting Financial Aid SAP standards (or other Title IV student eligibility criteria) are still eligible for HEERF II distributions.
Do I have to pay this money back?
No. Any funds a student receives from the HEERF II funds do not need to be repaid.
Does this money count against my financial aid package?
No. Grant funding from HEERF II is not considered financial assistance under federal statue, nor U.S. Department of Education regulations. As such, these funds will not impact your eligibility for regular financial aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, loans).
Is money received from HEERF II considered taxable income?
HEERF II grants are not treated as taxable income or untaxed income for Title IV federal student aid purposes. Also, because the emergency financial aid grant is not includable in a student’s gross income, students are not able to claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American Opportunity Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit. See section 139(h) of the Internal Revenue Code. All students are encouraged to talk with a personal tax professional relating to any questions you may have about the treatment of the funds.
Federal CARES Act- emergency grant/stimulus funds
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One component of the Federal CARES Act establishes the Higher Education Emergency Relief (“HEERF”) fund, which provides funds to institutions of higher education, like GRTS, for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Notably, a portion of these funds are intended to be distributed directly to eligible students.
GRTS applied, was approved, and is eligible to receive $113,559.00. Fifty percent of these funds are for emergency grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic, including expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.
Students eligible for grants under the Federal CARES Act are those who:
Were not enrolled in an exclusively online program prior to March 13, 2020,
Which students are eligible for Federal CARES Act grants?
Federal CARES Act grant funds will be awarded based on financial need as determined by their FAFSA EFC to students who meet these criteria:
No. Distribution of Federal CARES Act funds is made directly to students and not applied by the school toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by the student. As such, receipt of these funds does not indicate the recipient has satisfied their financial obligations to GRTS for any debts incurred during the spring 2020 term or any terms prior. Please check your current account balance to determine what you may still owe.
Can I use this money to pay towards my GRTS balance?
Yes. GRTS is not authorized to apply Federal CARES Act funds toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by a student. However, once the funds are received as a refund, students may choose to use the funds to pay off their outstanding account balance.
Can GRTS just apply the funds to my account balance with my approval or permission?
No. Federal regulations stipulate that all Federal CARES Act funds must be disbursed directly to the student and may not be applied toward outstanding balances. To use these funds to pay an outstanding balance with GRTS a student must make a payment to their account through the Front Office.
Am I eligible to receive Federal CARES Act funds if I am not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards?
No. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students not meeting Financial Aid SAP standards are not eligible for Federal CARES Act fund distributions.
Do I have to pay this money back?
No. Any funds a student receives from the Federal CARES Act will not need to be repaid.
Does this money count against my financial aid package?
No. Grant funding from the Federal CARES Act is not considered financial assistance under federal statue, nor U.S. Department of Education regulations. As such, these funds will not impact your eligibility for regular financial aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, loans).
Is money received from the Federal CARES Act considered taxable income?
This grant is not includable in a student’s gross income. Emergency financial aid grants under the Federal CARES Act for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need, or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unexpected expenses for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare, are qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code.
In addition, because the emergency financial aid grant is not includable in a student’s gross income, students are not able to claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American Opportunity Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit. See section 139(h) of the Internal Revenue Code.
All students are encouraged to talk with a personal tax professional relating to any questions you may have about the treatment of the funds.
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. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion. Additional information on the ARP Act can be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/arp.html.
Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds- Round 3
HEERF III
GRTS has been currently been approved for an additional $159,529 in financial grants to students.
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund - Round 2
HEERF II
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CRRSAA”) was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 27, 2020, to provide additional economic relief from COVID-19. Section 314 of the CRRSAA authorizes the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (“HEERF II”), which provide funds to institutions of higher education, like GRTS, for certain expenses related to the COVID-19 global pandemic and incurred on or after December 27, 2020. Notably, a portion of these funds are intended to be distributed directly to eligible students.
In January 2021, GRTS was approved for $56,780 in financial grants to students, which may 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, health care (including mental health care), or child care.
Students eligible for grants under the HEERF II at GRTS are those who:
- Were enrolled at GRTS as of March 2, 2021,
- Are degree-seeking at GRTS in a certificate program,
- Meet U.S. Citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen status, and
- Complete a FAFSA for 2020-21 academic year and have a valid Expected Family Contribution (“EFC”).
HEERF II FAQs
Please review the FAQ items below for additional guidance regarding HEERF II student grant distributions.
Which students are eligible for HEERF II grants?
HEERF II student grant funds will be awarded as a block grants to GRTS students who meet these criteria:
- Enrolled at GRTS as of March 2, 2021,
- Degree-seeking at GRTS in a certificate program,
- U.S. Citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen status, and completed
- FAFSA for 2020-21 academic year and have a valid Expected Family Contribution (“EFC”).
I got this money as a refund. Does this mean my GRTS account balance has been paid off?
No. Distribution of HEERF II funds is made directly to students and not applied by the School toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by the student. As such, receipt of these funds does not indicate the recipient has satisfied their financial obligations to GRTS for any debts incurred during the pay periods. Please check on your current account balance to determine what you may still owe.
Can I use this money to pay off my GRTS balance?
Yes. GRTS is not authorized to apply HEERF II funds toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by a student without prior authorization. However, once the funds are received as a refund, students may choose to use the funds to pay off their outstanding account balance. Check with the Front office on the process.
Am I eligible to receive HEERF II funds if I am not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards?
Yes. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students not meeting Financial Aid SAP standards (or other Title IV student eligibility criteria) are still eligible for HEERF II distributions.
Do I have to pay this money back?
No. Any funds a student receives from the HEERF II funds do not need to be repaid.
Does this money count against my financial aid package?
No. Grant funding from HEERF II is not considered financial assistance under federal statue, nor U.S. Department of Education regulations. As such, these funds will not impact your eligibility for regular financial aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, loans).
Is money received from HEERF II considered taxable income?
HEERF II grants are not treated as taxable income or untaxed income for Title IV federal student aid purposes. Also, because the emergency financial aid grant is not includable in a student’s gross income, students are not able to claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American Opportunity Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit. See section 139(h) of the Internal Revenue Code. All students are encouraged to talk with a personal tax professional relating to any questions you may have about the treatment of the funds.
Federal CARES Act- emergency grant/stimulus funds
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One component of the Federal CARES Act establishes the Higher Education Emergency Relief (“HEERF”) fund, which provides funds to institutions of higher education, like GRTS, for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Notably, a portion of these funds are intended to be distributed directly to eligible students.
GRTS applied, was approved, and is eligible to receive $113,559.00. Fifty percent of these funds are for emergency grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic, including expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.
Students eligible for grants under the Federal CARES Act are those who:
Were not enrolled in an exclusively online program prior to March 13, 2020,
- Experienced a disruption in campus operations due to COVID-19 pandemic, and
- Are eligible for federal student aid and comply with the following federal requirements:
- Are enrolled in degree, certificate program, or other eligible program
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent credential (and not currently enrolled in elementary or secondary school)
- Are making satisfactory academic progress requirements
- Have no owed overpayments from any federal student grant or loan
- Are not in default on any federal student loan
- Have an SSN
- Are a citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen
- Have not been found guilty of any fraud relating to the federal student aid program, or have made restitution if convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to such charges
- Have not fraudulently obtained federal student aid funds in excess of annual aggregate limits; if obtained inadvertently, returned those funds
- Are in compliance with the U.S. Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable
- Are not currently incarcerated
- Have no federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations.
Which students are eligible for Federal CARES Act grants?
Federal CARES Act grant funds will be awarded based on financial need as determined by their FAFSA EFC to students who meet these criteria:
- Pursuing an GRTS degree program (certificate programs)
- Eligible to file Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. (e.g., be eligible to receive federal financial aid funds such as the Pell Grant, Direct Loans, etc.) –see federal student aid requirement list above
- Be enrolled as of 3/13/20
No. Distribution of Federal CARES Act funds is made directly to students and not applied by the school toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by the student. As such, receipt of these funds does not indicate the recipient has satisfied their financial obligations to GRTS for any debts incurred during the spring 2020 term or any terms prior. Please check your current account balance to determine what you may still owe.
Can I use this money to pay towards my GRTS balance?
Yes. GRTS is not authorized to apply Federal CARES Act funds toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by a student. However, once the funds are received as a refund, students may choose to use the funds to pay off their outstanding account balance.
Can GRTS just apply the funds to my account balance with my approval or permission?
No. Federal regulations stipulate that all Federal CARES Act funds must be disbursed directly to the student and may not be applied toward outstanding balances. To use these funds to pay an outstanding balance with GRTS a student must make a payment to their account through the Front Office.
Am I eligible to receive Federal CARES Act funds if I am not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards?
No. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students not meeting Financial Aid SAP standards are not eligible for Federal CARES Act fund distributions.
Do I have to pay this money back?
No. Any funds a student receives from the Federal CARES Act will not need to be repaid.
Does this money count against my financial aid package?
No. Grant funding from the Federal CARES Act is not considered financial assistance under federal statue, nor U.S. Department of Education regulations. As such, these funds will not impact your eligibility for regular financial aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, loans).
Is money received from the Federal CARES Act considered taxable income?
This grant is not includable in a student’s gross income. Emergency financial aid grants under the Federal CARES Act for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need, or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unexpected expenses for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare, are qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code.
In addition, because the emergency financial aid grant is not includable in a student’s gross income, students are not able to claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American Opportunity Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit. See section 139(h) of the Internal Revenue Code.
All students are encouraged to talk with a personal tax professional relating to any questions you may have about the treatment of the funds.
