CARES

HEERF I-CARES Act Information

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. HEERF I was the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act.

Background
WSU was awarded $21.76 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The University allocated $10.88 million to Student Emergency Funds.

Funding Methodology and Timeline
Students were emailed information about the CARES Act funds on April 30, 2020. The methods used by Washington State University to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is described as follows. The restrictive nature of who could be funded by the CARES Act was partially based on requirements outlined by the US Department of Education at the time of activity of this fund:

1. Determine criteria for eligible students:
   • Students who were not distance education exclusive program and
   • Students who had a FAFSA with no outstanding eligibility requirements and
   • Students who were meeting satisfactory academic progress and
2.  Identify eligible students with the greatest need first (per federal guidance):
   • Students who are Pell-eligible for Spring 2020.
   • Students with an expected family contribution of $12,000 or less.
   • Awarding Levels ranged from $500-$1,500

Students were required to complete a student acknowledgment certifying that they had COVID-related expenses. Remaining grant funds were distributed to students based on the Emergency Fund Request form process. 

Current Status
As of October 9, 2020, all emergency student funding for the CARES Act have been distributed to students. 

More Information
Please see the HEERF I-CARES Act Reporting for more information.

Additional information about the HEERF programs: