The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) has provided emergency funding to institutions of higher education and their students during the Coronavirus pandemic. HEERF funding was split up into 3 programs, HEERF I, HEERF II, and HEERF III. Students completing an Emergency Fund Request form now may be considered for institutional emergency aid, based on eligibility and on funding availability.
Current Option:
Students who complete the Emergency Fund Request form may be considered for institutional emergency assistance. Funding varies by campus and there is no guarantee of funding. Students experiencing a financial emergency are encouraged to contact the Student Financial Services Office.
Past Options: American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), or HEERF III
During Summer and Fall 2021, the student portion of ARP (HEERF III) was issued to students through the automatic, mass assignment process outlined below, and through the Emergency Fund Request form submissions. Students submitting forms now will not be considered for HEERF III student funding, as it is exhausted, but may be considered for other types of emergency aid.
WSU used the following criteria to mass assign HEERF III to students for Fall 2021:
- Students must be enrolled in three or more hours of classes on any of the six WSU campuses.
- Have completed a 2021-2022 FAFSA or WASFA.
- Meet the following financial need:
- Undergraduate with an expected family contribution of $15,000 or less
- Graduate or Professional student with an expected family contribution of $5,846 or less
Distribution is dependent upon fund usage and availability.
Students who did not meet the above requirements were encouraged to fill out an Emergency Fund Request form. WSU reviewed each emergency request based on the following eligibility requirements*:
- Students must be degree seeking and enrolled in three or more hours of classes on any of the six WSU campuses.
- Have COVID-19 related expenses and/or were impacted by COVID-19 resulting in the need for emergency assistance.
- Outside of COVID-19 assistance, students may be considered for other forms of emergency assistance, based on their situation and on funding.
- *Non-US citizens may apply for these funds. Eligibility for federal financial aid is not a requirement.
Students who met the above eligibility requirements were reviewed for one-time funding up to $1,000. Distribution was dependent upon fund usage, time and date of submission, and availability.
Students submitting forms now will not be considered for HEERF III student funding, as it is exhausted, but may be considered for other types of emergency aid.
Key Facts Regarding Federal CARES Act Grants
Washington State University acknowledges that it has signed and returned the Certification and Agreement to the Department of Education.