Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II)

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) signed into law on December 27, 2020, gave the U.S. Department of Education funds to distribute to institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II). Augustana received funds for students with emergency expenses due to COVID-19. To apply for these funds, students must submit an Augustana HEERF II Emergency Aid Application within their student portal. Augustana will begin reviewing applications on February 8 and will do so on a weekly basis. Funds will be allocated as applications are received and/or until all available resources have been exhausted. 

The Augustana HEERF II Emergency Aid Application can be found here.


Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be enrolled in the Spring 2021 semester.
  • Must be a degree-seeking student–Undergraduate or Graduate.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have submitted a 2020-21 FAFSA.
  • Must have incurred an emergency expense due to COVID-19.
  • Graduate students who have received a $600 stimulus payment directly from the IRS on or after December 27, 2020 will not be given priority at this time.

Application Process:

  • File an electronic application within the my.augie.edu student portal. The application link will be in your Checklist if you qualify.
  • The application opened February 2. The application will remain open until funds are exhausted.
  • You will be notified via your Ole e-mail of approval or denial once the application review begins.

Award Amounts and Disbursement:

  • It is a one-time award.
  • Eligible students will receive a grant of up to $600. Federal Pell Grant eligible students will receive priority.  
  • Grants are issued via direct deposit to the bank account provided by the student on the portal. 
  • Grants are issued weekly on a first come, first issued basis.

 

Quarter 1 Fund Report (3/31/21)

As of March 31, 2021, we have issued 995 grants to students totaling $453,300. We continue to makes funds available to any eligible student that has not yet received funds. 

We have also drawn $50,000 of our institutional share to cover lost revenue. 

 

Quarter 2 Fund Report (6/30/21)

As of May 10, 2021, HEERF II funds have been exhausted. $607,712 dollars were issued to 1,110 students.  

No further institutional share funds have been drawn down since the Quarter 1 Fund Report.  

 

HEERF Quarterly Reports

September 30, 2020

December 31, 2020

March 31, 2021

June 30, 2021

September 30, 2021

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive a HEERF II Emergency Grant?

  • Must be enrolled in (and not withdrawn from) the Spring 2021 semester.
  • Must be a degree-seeking student–Undergraduate or Graduate.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have submitted a 2020-21 FAFSA.
  • Must have incurred an emergency expense due to COVID-19.
  • Graduate students who have received a $600 stimulus payment directly from the IRS on or after December 27, 2020, will not be given priority at this time.

How do I apply for the HEERF II Emergency Grant?
If you incurred an emergency expense due to COVID-19 and you meet the eligibility criteria, please complete the HEERF II Emergency Aid Application in the my.augie.edu student portal.

I have not filled out or submitted a FAFSA for 2020-21. Is it too late?
No, it is not too late. You can complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA now.

How much funding can I receive?
Federal Pell Grant eligible students will receive a $600 grant; all other eligible students will receive up to a $500 grant based on need and available funds.

How will I know if my application is approved?
Beginning on February 8, we will work as diligently as possible to notify you quickly via your Ole e-mail of approval or denial.

How and when will I receive my funding?
You will receive your funding via direct deposit to the bank account on record. You can provide bank account information or double check your account within my.augie.edu. Direct deposits will be made weekly after February 8.

How can I use the money?
Grants are provided for emergency use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You should use them accordingly.

If I have a balance with AU, will my grant be applied towards my balance?
No, your grant will be issued directly to you through direct deposit, even if you have a balance.  If you choose to use the money to then pay your balance, that is your choice.

What if I need more than what is awarded to me?
We understand students have significant needs during this time. The HEERF II Emergency Grant is meant to supplement other funding sources. If you are having financial difficulties, please reach out to the Dean of Students Office or the Office of Financial Aid.

Are international students eligible to receive HEERF II Emergency Grant?
Because international students are typically not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they are not eligible for a HEERF II Emergency Grant.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the Augustana Office of Financial Aid at financial.aid@augie.edu or the Augustana Business Office at businessoffice@augie.edu if you have questions.

How did Augustana develop the eligibility criteria?
Augustana is following guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.

If you need to withdraw from the semester due to a COVID related emergency please complete this form