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HEERF 3 Funds

2020-2021 / 2021-2022

Summary

SIUE has received funds through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) 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 for Summer 2021 and 5846 for Fall 2021). Students who did not file a FAFSA or are not eligible to file a FAFSA are considered eligible for these funds at the Tier 2 level. Students who filed a RISE Act Application/Alternative Application for Illinois are considered based on that EFC.
More information about how to submit a HEERF 3 grant application has been sent to eligible students via SIUE e-mail. CHECK ALL MAILBOXES INCLUDING CLUTTER.
Grants are for Summer 2021 and Fall 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

Summer 2021

Who is eligible for HEERF 3 funds?

Eligible students must:

Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
Be enrolled for Summer 2021 in at least one hour of coursework.

Awarding Criteria

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

Tier 1:

Pell Eligible EFC Undergraduate students:
- EFC less than or equal to 5711
- Undergraduate students (Undocumented students who complete the RISE Act Application/Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid's eligibility is based on that EFC.)
- Automatic awards of $750.
- 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 EFC funds:
- EFC more than 5711 or students with no FAFSA
- Includes graduate, professional, international, and some undocumented students.
- Automatic awards of $500.
- 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 2 student does not complete the application, funds will be automatically refunded to student.

There is an option on the application to decline HEERF III Funds entirely. This decision is not reversible.

Fall 2021

Who is eligible for HEERF 3 funds?

Eligible students must:

Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
Be enrolled for Fall 2021 in at least one hour of coursework.

Awarding Criteria

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

Tier 1:

Pell Eligible EFC Undergraduate students:
- EFC less than or equal to 5846
- Undergraduate students (Undocumented students who complete the RISE Act Application/Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid's eligibility is based on that EFC.)
- Automatic awards of $1,000.
- 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 EFC funds:
- EFC more than 5846 or students with no FAFSA
- Includes graduate, professional, international, and some undocumented students.
- Automatic awards of $725.
- 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 2 student does not complete the application, funds will be automatically refunded to student.

There is an option on the application to decline HEERF III Funds entirely. This decision is not reversible.

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 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 3 grants or eligibility, please email finaid@siue.edu

Federal ARP/HEERF 3 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 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 ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs (HEERF Student Portion): $13,683,174

Total amount that has been distributed to students: $13,504,525

Estimated total number of ARP eligible students:
- Summer 2021 - 5,894
- Fall 2021 - 12,904
Total number of students who have received a ARP grant:
- Summer 2021 - 5,894
- Fall 2021 - 12,904

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 all students included an opt-in question pertaining to administering funds to a university balance. Acceptance of the funds identified that the student had COVID related expenses via email (option to decline funds available in application.)
The above webpage provides necessary information for students on the ARP (HEERF 3) grant awards.
PDF of Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting (Information includes Q1 of FY2022. No student share funds were spent during Q1 of FY2022. (4/7/2022))