Financial Aid

HEERF 2 Funds

2020-2021

All CRRSAA/HEERF 2 (Covid-Relief) funds have been distributed to students. Funds are no longer available. 

Summary

• SIUE has received funds through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to support students who have experienced unexpected educational expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Preferential treatment and awards are given to Pell eligible undergraduate students (EFC less than or equal to 5711). 
• More information about how to submit a HEERF 2 grant application 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 2021 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 HEERF 2 funds?

  Eligible students must:

• Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
• Be enrolled for Spring 2021 as a degree-seeking student in at least one hour of coursework.
• Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen.

  Who is not eligible for HEERF 2 funds?

• Students who are already participating in fully online programs 
• Students who are not U.S. citizens, are not permanent residents of other eligible non citizens (such as international students or DACA students.)
• Students who completed all courses or withdrew from all courses prior to January 29, 2021.

Awarding Criteria

Grants will be available to eligible undergraduate/graduate/professional degree-seeking students who were enrolled in spring 2021 semester as follows as determined by the FAFSA and degree level:

Tier 1:

• Pell Eligible Undergraduates:
  • EFC less than or equal to 5711
  • Automatic awards of $1200.
  • Student has option to "opt in" to allowing funds to pay towards SIUE balance with Bursar. 
    • Opt in functionality was made available via application emailed to students.
    • If a Tier 1 student does not complete the application, funds will be automatically refunded to student. 

Tier 2: 

• Non-Pell Eligible Undergraduates, Graduate, and Professional Students: 
  • EFC more than 5711
  • Graduate and Professional students considered in this category. 
  • Students are emailed an application identifying eligibility. Students must complete the application and submit for review. 
    • Application reviews option to "opt in" to allow funds to pay towards their SIUE balance. 
    • Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Not all students who complete an application will receive funds. 
    • Awards of $1200.

Refunding Process

Once your application has been processed, you will receive your funds via the Bursar's refund process.

• If you "opted in" to having your funds apply to your SIUE balance first, the funds will pay to your balance with the SIUE Bursar. If there is remaining funds after the SIUE balance is paid, the funds will be refunded to you.
• If you "opted out" (or are Tier 1 and did not complete the application), the funds will be automatically refunded to you 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 permanent address. This process should take approximately one to two weeks. 

Questions?

If you have questions concerning HEERF 2 grants or eligibility, please email finaid@siue.edu

Federal CRRSSA/HEERF 2 Act Grant Reporting Information & Disclosure

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement to receive funds and assures that the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. 

• Total amount of of funds that SIUE has received from the Department under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs (HEERF Student Portion): $4,839,197

• Total amount that has been distributed to students: $4,839,197 

• Estimated total number of CARES Act eligible students: 11,573
• Total number of students who have received a CRRSAA/ARP grant: 4033

• A committee of leadership determined how awards were to be distributed per federal guidelines. As requested, students with Pell-eligible EFCs were given priority. All eligible students were sent email communication with application. Application for Pell-eligible EFC students included an opt-in question pertaining to administering funds to a university balance. All other eligible students were emailed an application that included questions concerning their COVID-19 related expenses, and an opt-in question pertaining to administering funds to a university balance. (A completed application was only required for non-Pell eligible students.)
• The above webpage provides necessary information for students on the CRRSAA/ARP (HEERF 2) grant awards. 
• PDF of Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting (Q2)