Federal Emergency Grant Q&A

All Federal Emergency Grant funds have been allocated to eligible students as of 6/8/2020.

On March 27, the CARES Act was signed into law as a response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The act authorized colleges and universities to make monetary grants to eligible students who demonstrate they have been financially impacted by the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.

 

1. Who is eligible for a Federal Emergency Grant?

If you have submitted a valid FAFSA for either the 2019-20 or 2020-21 academic years, you may be eligible. You must be eligible to receive a Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan, even if you did not choose to borrow one.

You must also be a degree-seeking student and have been enrolled in spring semester as of March 11, 2020.

2. Do I need to apply for a Federal Emergency Grant?

Yes. You will need to fill out a brief application form. On the application, you will need to indicate that you will have additional expenses in certain eligible categories from March 11, 2020, to the end of the semester. You do not need to provide documentation of your expenses.

3. How much may I receive in a Federal Emergency Grant?

Grants are awarded in amounts based on categories of expected expenses and financial need. Awards range from $225 to $750.

4. Does everyone qualify for a Federal Emergency Grant?

No. The following categories of students are not eligible for the Federal Emergency Grant according to the U.S. Department of Education:

• Students who were enrolled exclusively in a program of distance education prior to March 11, 2020 (includes the SMGT, HWM and CYB programs);
• Students who are not making satisfactory academic progress and who are not on financial aid probation status for spring 2020;
• Students who are in default on prior student loans or who owe a refund on a prior federal grant;
• Students who are not in a degree-granting academic program as of March 11, 2020;
• Male students under the age of 26 who have not registered with the Selective Service System;
• International students;
• Undocumented alien and deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) students; and
• Any other student who does not qualify for Federal Title IV student aid.

5. I cannot complete the FAFSA because my parents cannot or will not provide their information. Can I still get a grant?

To qualify for a grant, you need to meet all basic eligibility requirements for receiving federal student aid. For this grant only, you do not need a fully complete FAFSA for us to determine that you meet the basic eligibility requirements. In this case, you should file the FAFSA and indicate that your parents refuse to file their portion. We will review your FAFSA to determine if you still qualify for a Federal Emergency Grant, even though you will not receive other financial aid.

6. I completed the FAFSA but only qualified for an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. Do I still qualify for a Federal Emergency Grant?

If you filed the FAFSA and were found to qualify for any federal student aid (Unsubsidized and subsidized Federal Direct Loan, Federal Work Study, Federal Pell Grant) AND you have additional expenses because of the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, you may qualify for a Federal Emergency Grant.

7. I submitted the FAFSA and was selected for verificaiton, but I have not turned in all the required documents. Can I still qualify for a grant? 

Provided you meet all other eligibility requirements, you may qualify for a grant. You do not need to have completed the verification process to receive a grant.

8. I do not meet the qualifications for a Federal Emergency Grant. What are my options?

You may apply for the UW-River Falls Emergency Grant Program which is open to any UWRF student.

You may also contact the Financial Aid Office at 715-425-3141 or finaid@uwrf.edu and speak with a counselor about qualifying for a private education loan.

9. I completed the Federal Emergency Grant application form and submitted it. When will I receive the funds?

The grants will be processed beginning May 4. On average, it will take 14-days from the date of submission until you receive the funds. Since this is a daily process, not all students will receive their grants on the same day. Watch your UWRF email for a notification that a refund has been processed for you. If you have questions, please email billing@uwrf.edu.