What money is the University of Alabama eligible for?
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act contains a section that allows for distribution of funds to higher education institutions Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II. UA has 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 by the 2020-2021 FAFSA. Funds will be made available to undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students who were enrolled half time or above in Spring 2021 and who are eligible for Title IV funds including distance learning students.
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 $5,711. Students will receive different amounts based on their EFC. The highest aid awards will be available to students with zero EFC; the smallest allocations will be available to students with a higher EFC. 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 | $1700 |
| 1-1000 | $1600 |
| 1001-2000 | $1500 |
| 2001-3000 | $1450 |
| 3001-4000 | $1400 |
| 4001-5000 | $1300 |
| 5001-5711 | $1250 |
| 5712-10000 | $1000 |
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 amount that a student can receive if the student follows the steps in myBama. The email will also contain instructions on how to certify eligibility.
How long do I have to claim my funds?
Students will be able to accept their allocation until funds have been exhausted on a first come first served basis to claim any HEERF II funds for which they may be eligible. If a student declines their money, funds will be placed back into the overall HEERF II account and re-distributed to other eligible students.
Why did I not receive an email about HEERF II money?
Most likely because you do not have an active 2020-2021 FAFSA on file. Only students who have completed a FAFSA and meet the other criteria discussed here 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 2021. 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 that they meet the eligibility described here to receive funds. Students must also certify an understanding that funds are designated for use toward any expense incurred after December 27, 2020 related to attending The University of Alabama or for emergency cost associated with coronavirus. 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 2020-2021 school year by June 30, 2021. 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 eligibility through their MyBama account, the pre-determined funds will be placed on the student’s account and assigned as requested by the student. The funds can be applied to charges for Spring 2021 and any overage refunded, refunded directly to the student, or declined.
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 II funds.
I am not enrolled in Spring 2021, but I was enrolled half time or more in Fall 2020. Am I eligible to receive these funds?
Not at this time. Only students who are enrolled in the Spring 2021 semester for half time or more are currently eligible.
Can I dispute my amount allocated?
No, the allocation is determined by a student’s Estimated Family Contribution based on the 2020-2021 FAFSA.
Is the HEERF II funding taxable?
No. This grant is not included in your gross income.
Will the HEERF II funding impact my federal financial aid for the 2021-2022 academic year?
No. This grant will have no impact on current or future federal financial aid in any way.