COVID-19

In response to the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020 provides an additional $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF II.

Based on the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, UWest plans to spend $70,043 of its HEERF II allocation on student grants, the same dollar amount as it was required to spend under the CARES Act HEERF I.

The HEERF II grants for students may be used for any component of the cost of attendance at UWest or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare.

Who is eligible for the HEERF II Grant?

The HEERF II Student Grant is distributed to UWest students who meet the following criteria:

• are degree-seeking students enrolled in the Spring 2021 semester. (Certificate-seeking, non-degree-seeking and continuing education students will not receive this grant); and
• are listed as a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in the UWest Student Information System at the time of distribution.

How is the HEERF II Grant Distributed?

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to prioritize HEERF II grants to students with exceptional financial need, such as those who receive Pell Grants. In compliance with this directive, UWest will award the grants to eligible students based on their Pell Grant status and enrollment status for the Spring 2021 Semester.

HEERF II Grants are distributed as follows:

Pell Grant Eligible Students: $1,100

Other Non-Pell Grant Students (Half-time and above): $500

Other Non-Pell Grant Students (Less than half-time): $170

HEERF II Grant Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the HEERF II Grant?

There is no application required to request this grant.

Do I have to file a FAFSA to be eligible for the HEERF II Grant?

No. FAFSA application is not required.

Will these funds be applied to my student account and then sent to my bank account?

The funds will be processed through your student account, but they will be payable directly to you via direct deposit, if available, or by paper check. The funds can be applied toward your current or future UWest charges ONLY if you provide a written HEERF II Grant Student Consent to UWest. A Consent Form is provided in the CRRSAA HEERF II email notification that has been already sent to you.

Will these funds affect my current or future financial aid eligibility?

No. These funds are not considered Title IV financial aid.

Are these funds taxable?

No. Like the HEERF I Student Grants, the HEERF II Grants are not subject to federal and state tax according to the IRS.

If you have any further questions regarding the CRRSAA HEERF II Grant, please contact UWest’s Financial Aid Director at lezliyf@uwest.edu.

NOTE: This is a complex, challenging, and fluid situation which continues to evolve rapidly. All information is subject to change as deemed necessary by University of the West in accordance with guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education.