Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II)

APPLY HERE! (This application is no longer active)

HEERF III funding is being dispersed by the business department at a student level. No application is required at this moment.

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRRSAA includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II(HEERF II) that provides more than $23 billion in emergency funding to higher education to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.  CRRSAA requires that an institution receiving funding provide the same amount in financial aid grants to students from the new CRRSAA funds that it was required to provide under its original CARES Act Student Aid Portion award.

DCC has allocated $50,000 institutional dollars from Cares Act Section 18004(a)(3) FIPSE funds and received $71,076 from CRRSAA includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II(HEERF II). These funds are to directly support students who have demonstrated need and are facing financial challenges because of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The disbursement, from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the CRRSAA Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II, is designed to prioritize students with the greatest demonstrated financial need.

DCC will distribute the HEERF & CRRSAA funds to federal aid applicants with the greatest identified need as described more fully below. Each recipient must have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Financial Aid Office 

The main criteria for a grant are the demonstration of a genuine need and that the capacity for continued study may be in jeopardy due to financial hardship. Applicants may have to provide documentation supporting the need if requested.

Who is Eligible for the DCC Emergency CARES Grant?

• A student must meet all criteria listed to qualify:
• Must be a degree-seeking student with half time enrollment. 
• Must be eligible to receive Title IV aid.
• Must have submitted 2020-2021 FAFSA
• Must have incurred emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus.

Who is Not Eligible for the DCC Emergency CARES Grant?

• Students enrolled in a non-degree program.
• Students enrolled in only non-credit or life enrichment courses.
• Students that are enrolled in dual and/or concurrent courses.
• International students.

Financial aid grants for students may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.

How much funding is available?

Eligible, degree-seeking DCC students who are attending Spring 2021 at least half-time and have a 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file with DCC will be considered for a Spring 2021 CRRSAA Emergency Grant. Priority consideration for the grants will be given to students who are spring 2021 recipients of the Federal Pell Grant. Federal Pell Grant eligible students will receive a $750 grant; all other eligible students will receive up to a $600 grant based on need and available funds.

After their application has been reviewed, students will be notified about grant eligibility through their DCC email accounts. CARES Act grants will be disbursed to students in the order they are processed while funds last. Funds will be disbursed via a mailed check to the address on the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive a HEERF II Emergency Grant?

• Must be enrolled in (and not withdrawn from) the Spring 2021 semester.
• Must be a degree-seeking student–Undergraduate or Graduate.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have submitted a 2020-21 FAFSA.
• Must have incurred an emergency expense due to COVID-19.

How do I apply for the HEERF II Emergency Grant?

• If you incurred an emergency expense due to COVID-19 and you meet the eligibility criteria, please complete the HEERF II Emergency Aid Application on the Dawson Community College website.

I have not filled out or submitted a FAFSA for 2020-21. Is it too late?

• No, it is not too late. You can complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA now.

How much funding can I receive?

• Federal Pell Grant eligible students will receive a $750 grant; all other eligible students will receive up to a $600 grant based on need and available funds.

How will I know if my application is approved?

• DCC we will work as diligently as possible to notify you quickly via your DCC e-mail of approval or denial.

How and when will I receive my funding?

• After their application has been reviewed, students will be notified about grant eligibility through their DCC email accounts. HEERF II grants will be disbursed to students in the order they are processed while funds last. Funds will be disbursed via a mailed check to the address on the application within 14 days of being disbursed to the student account.

How can I use the money?

• Grants are provided for emergency use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You should use them accordingly.

If I have a balance with DCC, will my grant be applied towards my balance?

• Only if you authorize Dawson Community College to use the funds to pay your bill on the application. Otherwise, your grant will be issued directly to you through paper check, even if you have a balance.  If you choose to use the money to then pay your balance, that is your choice.

What if I need more than what is awarded to me?

• We understand students have significant needs during this time. The HEERF II Emergency Grant is meant to supplement other funding sources. If you are having financial difficulties, please reach out to the Business Office or Office of Financial Aid.

Are international students eligible to receive HEERF II Emergency Grant?

• Because international students are typically not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they are not eligible for a HEERF II Emergency Grant.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

• Please contact the Dawson Community College Office of Financial Aid at finaid@dawson.edu or the Dawson Community College Business Office if you have questions.

How did Dawson Community College develop the eligibility criteria?

• Dawson Community College is following guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.