HEERF III Information

You may be eligible for federal funds in the form of block or emergency grants for pandemic relief.

UNCSA has received funds from the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which has authorized the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III, or HEERF III.

Grants from these funds are intended for pandemic relief for expenses incurred, such as any component of a student’s cost of attendance budget and/or emergency expenses which arise due to the coronavirus (such as tuition, fees, food, housing, course materials, health/mental health care and child care).

College students at UNCSA with a 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) indicating demonstrated need will be eligible to receive a HEERF III block grant. Funds received through this process are meant to provide pandemic relief to promote student success.

UNCSA will distribute funds as quickly as possible to students with the greatest need. Funds will be allocated in a tiered fashion for undergraduates in amounts ranging from $200 to $1,200, with the neediest students, including Pell Grant-eligible students, receiving $1,200. Graduate students demonstrating need will receive $500.

If you are eligible to receive a block grant and have set updirect deposit with Student Accountsfor refunds, no further action is required to receive these funds. Block grant funds should be available by the middle of October. (Checks will be sent to those without direct deposit and will arrive at their permanent addresses by mail later in the month.)

In addition to block grants, HEERF III emergency funds may be available through an emergency application process beginning Oct. 20. College students with emergency expenses in the following situations may submit a HEERF III emergency application to be considered:

Students who were unable to file a FAFSA (e.g., DACA students or international students).
Students who filed a 2021-22 FAFSA but did not demonstrate need.
Students who have greater needs than those addressed by the HEERF III block grant.

The UNCSA committee tasked with distribution of these funds according to the U.S. Department of Education and UNC System guidelines includes Vice Chancellor for Economic Development and Chief of Staff Jim DeCristo, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Michael Smith, Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Tracey Ford, Clinical Case Manager Laurel Donley and Director of Financial Aid Jane Kamiab.