What is the CRRSAA and how does it apply to me?
To help mitigate challenges and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed, and on December 27, 2020 the President signed, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA). The CRRSAA provides additional funding to colleges and universities for Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) to students.
HEERF II grants to students may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance including tuition, fees, books, and/or supplies. HEERF II grants may also be used for emergency costs resulting from the coronavirus such as food, housing, healthcare (including mental healthcare) and/or childcare.
Unlike the CARES Act, the CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants, in awarding financial aid grants to students. However, students do not need to be only Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants.
How much did the Department of Education allocate to Midwestern Career College?
The amount of HEERF II allocated to Midwestern Career College is $387,053. MCC will allocate all funds to students in the form of HEERF II Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
How will Midwestern Career College distribute HEERF II Emergency Financial Aid Grants?
MCC will allocate all funds to students, who may use the funds for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare.
Midwestern Career College will distribute funds directly to the student via check. MCC will also offer students the option to apply HEERF II emergency financial aid grants to an outstanding balance with MCC.
Who is eligible to receive a CRRSAA Emergency Financial Aid Grant?
To be eligible to receive these funds, you must:
- have incurred expenses for any component of your cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare; and
- be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and can demonstrate exceptional need; and
- have filed a 2019-20 or 2020-21 FAFSA resulting in a valid EFC (Expected Family Contribution), that is clear of any issues identified on the FAFSA regarding citizenship or residency, by March 31, 2021(if you are currently receiving federal financial aid, including grants or loans, you have met this requirement); and
- be actively enrolled with Midwestern Career College at the time of grant distribution; and
- complete and electronically submit the CRRSAA EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID GRANT STUDENT ATTESTATION FORM. A link to this form will be emailed to you once your eligibility has been confirmed by MCC based on the above criteria.
Only students who meet the eligibility criteria will receive an email with additional information regarding the emergency financial aid grants. Current Department of Education guidance excludes international, undocumented, and DACA students.
How much money will a student receive if eligible for an emergency aid grant?
Grant amounts will be determined at the time of distribution in April 2021. The amount of each grant will depend on need as determined by EFC as well as the total number of eligible students who complete the Attestation Form.
What can an Emergency Aid Grant be used for?
Any emergency financial aid grant funds that you may receive may only be used to pay for any component of your cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare as described above. You may choose to use the grant funds to pay an outstanding tuition balance to the University. Submission of the Attestation Form does not guarantee receipt of a grant or any specific amount of funds. If you have any questions, please email CARES@mccollege.edu for additional information.
Is the Emergency Aid Grant considered taxable income?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has stated that emergency financial aid grants received by students due to the coronavirus pandemic will not be counted as taxable in come. More information is available here: Higher Education Emergency Grants Frequently Asked Questions | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
