Cal State LA is distributing COVID-19 pandemic emergency aid based on three shared CSU priorities:
- Student Need
- Equity
- Timeliness of Allocation
What is Cal State LA Cares HEERF III emergency aid funding?
The Cal State LA Cares Program provides emergency aid to students experiencing financial hardships due directly to the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2021 this funding is primarily made possible through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), as authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2.
Who is eligible to receive HEERF III emergency aid funding?
Most enrolled Cal State LA students for fall 2021 were considered for HEERF III emergency aid funding. Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or undocumented or international student status are eligible for HEERF III emergency aid funding. Students who are enrolled for the spring 2022 semester as of February 18, 2022, will be eligible to receive assistance during a second round of HEERF III funding.
Students who are enrolled during the COVID-19 national emergency are eligible. As under the CRRSAA, institutions are directed to prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants.
How will HEERF III emergency aid be disbursed to eligible students?
HEERF III emergency aid will be disbursed automatically to eligible students. (Domestic students do not need to apply to receive this funding. International students, see below.) Those students who have set up a direct deposit account in GET will receive the funds via direct deposit. Students who do not have direct deposit set up will receive a check via U.S. mail at their address on record in GET.
Please contact One Stop Financial Services at 323-343-3630 or send an email to Student Financial Services for questions regarding disbursement.
How much will students receive in HEERF III emergency aid?
The following factors were included in determining the amount of HEERF III aid students received:
- The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the 2021-2022 FAFSA or the California Dream Act application on file at the time of distribution (used to determine and prioritize the financial need component)
- Spring 2022 semester enrollment
HEERF III emergency aid amounts:
- Expected Family Contribution of $0 to $5,847
- Enrolled students will receive $1,125
- Expected Family Contribution of $5,848 to $10,000
- Enrolled students will receive $1000
- Expected Family Contribution of more than $10,000
- Enrolled students will receive $875
- Students who did not submit a FAFSA or Dream Act Application
- Enrolled students will receive $875
- International Students
- Enrolled international students may apply for HEERF III emergency aid funding by completing the online HEERF III emergency grant application through the Office of the Dean of Students to receive a $500 disbursement. (Please note: HEERF III requires prioritization of domestic students in determining levels of emergency aid funding.)
How may students use their HEERF III emergency aid?
HEERF III emergency aid may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare.
Will my HEERF III funds be applied to any outstanding balance owed?
No, your HEERF III funds will be a direct disbursement to you by direct deposit or check via U.S. mail.
Other important information:
- The emergency relief aid provided by HEERF III dollars is not restricted by cost of attendance ceilings and is also not counted against a student’s current or future financial aid package.
- In contrast to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding disbursed to students in 2020, students no longer had to meet all of the eligibility criteria prescribed under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The HEERF III requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants, in awarding emergency aid. However, students do not need to be Pell recipients or eligible for Pell grants to receive emergency aid. In addition, the HEERF III emergency relief aid is available to students exclusively enrolled in distance education.