COVID-19 Relief Funds
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF I)
- The Department of Education recently released funding for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund I (HEERFI) created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The University of Tennessee at Martin has received $2.5 million from these funds to support students facing needs created by the coronavirus pandemic through emergency financial aid grants for eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and childcare.
- CARES Act Funding-Report and Disclosure:
- Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting
- CARES Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
- The University of Tennessee at Martin
- 75-Day Report and Disclosure
- 120-Day Report and Disclosure
- Certifications and Agreements
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA): Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020. UT Martin received funds to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The institution was allocated $2.5 million for additional financial aid grants to students.
The supplemental grant awarded to UT Martin of $6.4 million may be used for Institutional costs to defray expenses associated with coronavirus (including lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff trainings, and payroll); carry out student support activities authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) that address needs related to coronavirus; and make additional financial grants to students, which may be used 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 child care.
American Rescue Plan (ARP): Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III)
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing over $7.9 million for additional financial aid grants to students. Emergency funds provided by HEERF III in the amount of $8.1 million may be used for Institutional costs to defray expenses associated with coronavirus.
Direct Student Aid FAQs - HEERF III Funding
Who is eligible to receive CARE funds?
Any student (including undocumented or international) who is or was enrolled at UT Martin during the COVID-19 national emergency may be eligible for financial aid grants through HEERF, regardless of whether they completed a FAFSA or are Title IV eligible. However, UTM must prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive a Pell Grant or are undergraduates with exceptional financial circumstances.
What are the requirements to be eligible for HEERF awards?
Students who are or were enrolled on or after March 13, 2020, who demonstrate exceptional need due to COVID-19.
How will students be awarded HEERF funds?
Initial HEERF awards were made through an automated process based on the student’s Pell Grant eligibility and unmet need. Any student who did not receive the initial HEERF award or did not receive the maximum amount of $6,345 and is having exceptional financial circumstances due to COVID is encouraged to reach out to the Financial Aid Office. HEERF funds are available on a first come, first serve basis.
How can HEERF awards be used?
HEERF awards can be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to COVID, such as tuition, food, housing, health care, or childcare. Students have the option to have the emergency grants refunded to them or directly onto their account.