CARES Act 

2019-2020

All CARES Act funds have been distributed to students. Funds are no longer avaialble. 

Summary

• SIUE has received funds through the federal CARES Act to support students who have experienced unexpected educational expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Students must be Title IV eligible to receive CARES Act funds. 
• More information about how to submit a CARES Act grant request has been sent to eligible students via SIUE e-mail.  CHECK ALL MAILBOXES INCLUDING CLUTTER.
• Students who are not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid may seek funding for grants from the SIUE Student Emergency Assistance Fund through the SIUE Foundation.
• Grants are for spring 2020 enrolled students, and requests will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

COVID-19 Related Expenses 

• Food
• Housing
• Course materials
• Technology
• Healthcare
• Childcare
• Transportation

Eligibility

  Who is eligible for CARES Act funds?

  Eligible students must:

• Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
• Be enrolled for Spring 2020 as a degree-seeking student in at least one hour of on-campus/in-person coursework. Students enrolled in a fully online program prior to March 13, 2020 are not eligible. 
• A student must be considered Title IV eligible via Section 484 of the HEA:
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or certificate program. 
  • Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school.
  • Be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans.
  • Not be in default on a Title IV loan.
  • File "as part of the original financial aid application process" a certification that includes
    • A statement of educational purpose.
    • Student's SSN.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen.
  • Have returned fraudulently obtained Title IV funds if convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to charges. 
  • Not have fraudulently received Title IV loans in excess of annual or aggregate limits.
  • Have repaid Title IV loan amounts in excess of annual or aggregate limits if obtained inadvertently.
  • Have Selective Service registration verified.
  • Have Social Security Number verified.
  • Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations.

  Who is not eligible for CARES Act funds?

• Students who are already participating in fully online programs 
• Students who aren’t eligible for Title IV federal financial aid, such as international students or DACA students 
• Students who completed all courses or withdrew from all courses prior to March 1, 2020 

Awarding Criteria

Grants will be available to eligible undergraduate/graduate/professional degree-seeking students who were enrolled in spring 2020 semester as follows as determined by the FAFSA:

• Students with an EFC of 0-5576 may request up to $2,000
• Students with an EFC of 5577-14000 may request up to $1000
• Students with an EFC of over 14000 may request up to $750
• Students who have not filed a 2019-2020 FAFSA, but can self-certify that they are Title IV eligible may request up to $500

Amounts were increased in early August. Eligible students were sent an email for increased funds. However, these funds have all been spent. 

Refunding Process

Once your application has been processed, you will receive your funds via the Bursar's refund process. If you have direct deposit, your funds will be deposited to whatever account you have designated. If you do not have direct deposit, the funds will be distributed via paper check to your permament address. This process should take approximately one to two weeks. Funds will be given directly to students and will not apply to any balances with SIUE. 

Questions?

If you have questions concerning CARES Act grants or eligibility, please email finaid@siue.edu

Federal CARES Act Grant Reporting Information & Disclosure

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement to receive funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act with the Department of Education. The University therefore agrees to use these funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.

• Total amount of CARES Act (HEERF Student Portion): $4,839,197

• Total amount that has been distributed to students: $4,839,197 (10/30/2020)

• Estimated total number of CARES Act eligible students: 9,938
• Total number of students who have received a CARES Act grant: 5,007

• A committee of University leadership determined how awards were to be distrbuted per federal guidelines. Eligible students were sent email communication with application. Application includes questions concerning their COVID-19 related expenses and the amount of their related expenses (up to their maximum award). 
• PDF of Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act