Information on this page was updated on 9/23/20 at 2:57 p.m.
What money is the University of Alabama eligible for?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains a section that allows for distribution of funds to higher education institutions through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). UA has requested and received these funds, which allow the University to distribute aid to students based on certain criteria.
Who is eligible for funds?
Eligibility for funds is based on a student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated during this past spring semester. Funds will be made available to undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students who were enrolled half time or above in spring 2020 and who are eligible for Title IV funds. The University excludes students enrolled in a distance learning program course of study per guidance from the Department of Education.
How much aid will students receive?
Student Financial Aid will use the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) data from the FAFSA to create a tiered system for students with an EFC of zero up to $99,999. Students will receive different amounts based on their EFC and their actual, qualifying COVID-19 related expenses incurred. The highest aid awards will be available to students with zero EFC; the smallest allocations will be available to students with a higher EFC. Depending on their qualifying COVID-19 related expenses incurred, students can receive the entire amount for which they are eligible or a smaller amount that does not exceed their expenses. Students can also decline funds, which will then be repurposed for other eligible students in need. The amounts available to eligible students was allocated as follows:
| EFC Range | Total |
|---|---|
| $0 | $1,400 |
| $1-6,000 | $1,200 |
| $6,001-$15,000 | $1,000 |
| $15,001-$20,000 | $750 |
| $20,001-$99,999 | $750 |
When will I know if I am to receive money?
Eligible students will be contacted through their UA email by Student Financial Aid. The message will specify the maximum amount that a student can potentially receive. The email will also contain instructions on how to certify incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis (which meet or exceed the amount of funds available).
How long do I have to claim my funds?
Students will have 14 calendar days from the date of the UA email to claim any CARES Act funds for which they may be eligible. If a student does not claim their money within that time, funds will be placed back into the overall CARES account and re-distributed to other eligible students.
Why did I not receive an email about CARES Act money?
Most likely because you do not have an active 2019-20 FAFSA on file. Only students who have completed a FAFSA are eligible to receive these funds. If you believe this is in error, please contact Student Financial Aid at financialaid@ua.edu.
I did not complete a FAFSA and am therefore ineligible for these funds. However, I was a student enrolled half-time or more during spring 2020 and I incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis. Are there other sources of funds available to assist me?
Yes. Information about the Tide Together Student Success Fund, the Acts of Kindness Student Emergency Relief Fund, and the SGA Need-Based Scholarship Fund, and how to apply for each of these, is available on the Student Care and Well-Being Emergency Assistance website.
What do I need to certify in MyBama?
All students must certify the expenses they incurred were related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. These include: food, housing, course materials, technology, health care or childcare costs. Only students who have certified this within MyBama will receive funds.
I haven’t filled out a FAFSA, can I do that and receive money?
Any students who do not have an active FAFSA on file can complete one for the 2019-2020 school year by June 30. However, any leftover or unused funds will be distributed based on the same EFC criteria and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once funds are exhausted no further allocations will take place.
How will I get my money?
Once a student has read and submitted their Attestation of Incurring Expenses Related to Disruption of Campus Operations form through their MyBama account, the pre-determined funds supported by the student’s attestation will be placed on the student’s account and a refund will be issued. No outstanding balances or future charges will be deducted from these funds.
What if I still need additional help?
Information about the Tide Together Student Success Fund, the Acts of Kindness Student Emergency Relief Fund, and the SGA Need-Based Scholarship Fund, and how to apply for each of these, is available on the Student Care and Well-Being Emergency Assistance website.
What, if any, documents do I need to verify expenses?
No documents are required for receipt of HEERF funds.
I wasn’t enrolled in the spring, but I am enrolled half time or more in the summer term. Am I eligible to receive these funds?
No, only students who were enrolled in the spring for half time or more are eligible.
Can I dispute my amount allocated?
No, the allocation is determined by a student’s Estimated Family Contribution based on the 2019-2020 FAFSA.
Is the Cares Act funding taxable?
No. This grant is not included in your gross income.
Will the Cares Act funding impact my federal financial aid for the 2020-2021academic year?
No. This grant will have no impact on current or future federal financial aid in any way.
