HEERF II Student Emergency Grants
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRSAA), included additional funding for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The U.S. Department of Education has allocated a portion of these funds for institutions to distribute as emergency grants to eligible students. Funding for SUNY Upstate Medical University under this program, referred to as “HEERF II” is at the same level as the CARES student emergency grants distributed in 2020, $259,963 to an estimated 1,379 eligible students at the institution that may apply for funding from the emergency grant.
HEERF II student aid funds may be used by students for any component of their cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare.
Eligibility for HEERF II grants is prioritized to degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students with an Expected Family Contribution within the range for Pell eligibility: 0-5,711.
SUNY Upstate received Student Aid funding under the CRRSAA section 314(a)(1) program. This program, with some changes, provides supplemental funds to the CARES Act section 18004(a)(1) program. SUNY Upstate signed and returned to the Education Department a Certification and Agreement as required under the CARES Act section 18004(a)(1) program. We acknowledge that by drawing down the CRRSAA Student Aid Funds, our institution agrees to be bound by the conditions set forth in the CRRSAA Student Aid Supplemental Agreement including using 100 percent of these Student Aid Funds to provide emergency aid grants to students.
Eligibility
You may be eligible to receive funding if you:
- Are a matriculated full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate student
- Have completed the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) within the range for Pell eligibility: 0 - 5,711
Note: unlike the CARES student emergency grant program, students meeting the above requirements who are enrolled in exclusively on-line programs are eligible for HEERF II grants.
HEERF II emergency grants will be limited in number and amount due to funding constraints.
How to Apply
No application is required for receipt of HEERF II Student Aid funds. Eligible students will be notified of their grant amounts and information about delivery of funds.
Allowable Expenses
HEERF II student aid funds may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or emergency costs that that arise due to coronavirus, including:
- Tuition
- Food
- Housing
- Health care (including mental health care)
- Child care
Repayment
HEERF II student aid funds will not need to be repaid.
Impact on Financial Aid
HEERF II student aid funds will not impact your current or future financial aid.
Determination of Award Amounts
Awards will vary by enrollment level (full or part-time) and EFC. Eligible students will receive an email indicating their individual award amount.
Distribution of Funds
SUNY Upstate Medical University will apply HEERF II funds directly to the student semester billing account. The entire amount will then be refunded to the student, regardless of the account balance. All funds have been distributed as of June 30th, 2021. 698 recipients were awarded a total distribution of $259,963.