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HEERF II Relief Funds - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

HEERF II Relief Funds - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) provides economic relief to students who incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to Coronavirus (expenses include, but are not limited to, tuition and fees, food, housing, course materials, technology, health/mental health care, and child care).

Previously, Salem State University has provided block grants directly to our students. Salem State University signed and returned the Certification Agreement on 04/21/2020. You can also review the initial 30-day Fund Report mandated by the US Department of Education for institutions receiving funds through the CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Salem State University has also provided Cares Act funding via an application process which was included in the 45 day report.

Who will be eligible to receive these additional funds?

Based on guidance provided by the Department of Education, Salem State University determined that students must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for HEERF II funds in spring 2021:

  1. Be a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in 3 or more credit hours for the fall 2020 or spring 2021 semester.
  2. Be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. (e.g., be eligible to receive federal financial aid funds such as the Pell Grant, Direct Loans, etc.).
  3. Have submitted a FAFSA for 2020-21, and demonstrate exceptional need.
  4. Currently have eligible expenses related to COVID-19
  5. Have no outstanding items requested by Salem State University that are required to determine eligibility.

If I receive this as a refund does this mean my Salem State University account balance is paid off?

No. Distribution of HEERF II Relief funds will be applied to your account based on the option you chose on the application. Receipt of HEERF II Relief funds does not indicate the student has satisfied their financial obligations to Salem State for any debts incurred during the spring 2021 term or any term past, present, or future.

Do I have to pay this back?

No. Funds received by a student from the HEERF II Relief fund is a grant and will not need to be repaid.

How was the amount I received for the HEERF II Relief fund grant determined?

Students are able to request different amounts which are determined based on the students estimated family contribution, however, due to limited funding the requested amount may be approved at a lessor or lower amount.

Can I use this money to pay toward my Salem State University balance?

Yes. On the application, students may choose to use the funds toward their outstanding account balance.

I am an international student or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) student. Am I eligible for CARES Act funds?

No. Guidance issued by the US Department of Education indicates that students must be Title IV eligible to qualify for the CARES Act funds. This limits eligibility to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or other Title IV eligible non-citizens. Students who were not eligible for funding under the CARES Act may apply for institutional emergency funds.

I received an email that I can apply for HEERF II Relief funds. How do I apply?

Log into your Navigator account. Click on the Financial Account tile, then click on the HEERF II Act Relief Application menu. Follow the instructions provided to apply. The application will be available on Friday, April 16, 2021 and the deadline to apply is Sunday, May 2, 2021.

If I already submitted an application a few weeks ago do I have to reapply or is my application still on file and being considered?

No. You must submit a new app (required).

If I already received money, can I get more?

Yes. You may qualify for more money. Please complete and submit a new application to be considered.

Need Help?

For additional questions please contact the Student Navigation Center.