CRRSAA Student Emergency Aid Grant FAQ & Required Reporting Requirements

This site is dedicated to our HEERF II process which has exhausted its student funding. For information about our HEERF III process, please click here.

What is the CRRSAA and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II?

The HSC is committed to helping our students who have been financially affected by COVID-19. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSSA) is a federal law and provides funds to higher education institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to eligible students in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II.

What is a CRRSAA Student Emergency Aid Grant?

Grants for students may be used for any component of a student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus. Grant funds can help students pay for eligible expenses such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare.

Who is eligible?

The federal government has established the eligibility criteria that students must meet in order to receive CRRSAA Student Emergency Aid Grants. Only students who are eligible for federal aid and have a financial need can be considered. Students must be currently enrolled or be non-graduates that left the university since 3/13/20 (during the period of the National Emergency).

• The U.S. Department of Education does notallow HEERF II Student Emergency Aid Grants to be awarded to:
  • International students
  • Undocumented or DACA students
  • Student who left the university prior to March 13, 2020.

*Students not eligible for HEERF II Student Emergency Aid Grant funding will be automatically reviewed for Student Assistance Funds, while funds remain available.

How do I apply?

The application for HEERF II funding is currently closed. Applications that have been submitted are being reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be prioritized based on exceptional need until all funds have been disbursed. If you are an HSC student who is currently experiencing an emergency financial need, you may apply for the Student Emergency Fund, while funds are available. More information can be found about the Student Emergency Fund here.

How will I receive my award?

Funds will be distributed directly to the student by the institution unless a student opts for any award to be applied directly to their balance.

Will the CRRSAA Student Emergency Aid Grant first go towards paying any outstanding charges on a student’s account?

Students may elect to have the award go to an outstanding account balance or to bypass any outstanding charges and be distributed directly to the student. Students may indicate their preference in the application.

Is this grant included in my gross income?

No, nor can it be claimed as a deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American Opportunity Credit, or the Lifetime Learning Credit (section 139(h) of the Internal Revenue Code).

Will everyone who applies receive a CRRSAA Student Emergency Aid Grant?

The amount of funds received from the U.S. Department of Education for direct emergency financial aid grants to students was $343,849. This amount is not sufficient to support all students, and HSC will follow federal eligibility criteria that requires that students be eligible for federal aid and demonstrate a financial need for expenses directly related to disruption due to COVID-19. We have developed a plan to prioritize students with exceptional need and help as many students as possible while still awarding an amount that is meaningful.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

You can email the Office of Care and Civility at CareTeam@unthsc.edu.