HEERF Funding for Students - CARES Act

Federal funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help students offset the financial impact of COVID-19 disruption.

Geographic Scope: Southwest Virginia Community College students

Focus Areas: COVID-19 related financial hardship and educational expenses disrupted by pandemic

Eligible Uses

• Food
• Tuition
• Housing
• Course materials
• Technology
• Health care
• Childcare
• Other unexpected expenses

Eligibility Requirements

• US Citizenship: Required
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Met before 1/13/20
• Document Completion: Completed all requested documents due to financial aid before 3/13/20
• Enrollment: Enrolled for a minimum of 6 hours that were not originally all online for Spring 2020 semester
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Met the specified EFC ceiling for the VCCS Cares Funding model
• Federal Aid Eligibility: Must be eligible for federal financial aid through Title IV of the Higher Education Act

Award Details

• Automatic Award: No application needed. Eligibility determined from existing financial aid database based on established criteria
• Delivery Method: Via selected refund option or check to address on file
• Timeline: Within one month of determination

What Students Do Not Need To Do: Students do not need to apply; awards are automatic based on eligibility determination.

TDD: 276-964-7235

Appeal Process: If you didn't receive CARES Act funds and believe you should have, complete the CARES request form and return to Financial Aid.

Application Procedure

No Application Required - Funds are awarded automatically based on eligibility determination from existing financial aid database.

If You Believe You Should Have Received Funds:

1. Complete CARES Request Form: If you didn't receive CARES Act funds and believe you should have, complete the CARES request form
2. Submit to Financial Aid: Return completed form to Financial Aid office

Fund Delivery Instructions:

1. Review Disbursement Method: Check the student refund portal to review your chosen disbursement method
2. Receive Funds: Funds will be applied via:
   • Direct deposit (if previously selected), or
   • Check to address on file
3. Timeline: Expected delivery within one month of eligibility determination

Recommended Use:

Recipients are encouraged to use funds to support continuing education in an online environment, including:

• Laptops
• Internet access
• Books and course materials
• Tuition
• Food, housing, health care, childcare, or other necessary expenses