Financial Aid

The following aid is offered at San Ignacio University:

What is a Federal Pell Grant?
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The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain post baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education.  Federal Pell Grants are direct grants awarded through higher education to students with financial need who have not received their first bachelor’s degree.

How much can a student receive?
For the 2021-2022 academic year the Federal Pell Grant awards range from$672 to $6,495.  For the 2022-2023 included a $400 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award, bringing the total range from 762 to $6,895. Awards are contingent on federal funding levels and are therefore subject to change based on Congressional action.

Who is eligible?
The U.S. Department of Education determines student’s eligibility for Pell by using a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the financial information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) and to determine the family EFC.(Expected Family Contribution). The fundamental elements in this standard formula are the student’s income (and assets if the student is independent), the parents’ income and assets (if the student is dependent), the family’s household size, and the number of family members (excluding parents) attending postsecondary institutions.

What is the EFC range?
To be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant a student’s Expected Family Contribution must be between 0 and 5846. EFC range subject to change based on Congressional action.

Upon completion of the FAFSA the student will receive a Student Aid Report(SAR) which advises them of their EFC and Pell eligibility.

How can a student stay eligible?
• File a FAFSA, make Satisfactory Academic Progress and continue to meet basiceligibility criteria.
Aggregate Lifetime Limit: Students may receive up to 12 semesters of theFederal Pell Grant.

Pell Payment schedules
•        2022-2023 Pell Payment schedule
•        2021-2022 Pell payment schedule

Other Grant programs
Vocational Rehabilitation School to Work Program - Varies per Applicant Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers. In addition to the general customer employment program, VR has additional specific programs designed to help eligible people with disabilities become employed.
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Examples of VR Services:
Medical and Psychological Assessment
Vocational Evaluation and Planning
Career Counseling and Guidance
Training and Education  After High School
Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations
Job Placement
Job Coaching On-the-Job Training
Supported Employment
Assistive Technology and Devices
Time-Limited Medical and/or Psychological Treatment

The amount of grant funding varies by state. Please contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation Office for additional information. Source: http://www.rehabworks.org/

The Office of Student Financial Services encourages students to explore various grants and scholarship opportunities and to evaluate loan options carefully.

What is a Federal Direct Student loan?
Federal Direct Student loans are one form of student “self-help” financial aid. Through the Federal Direct Student loan program students borrow money for college from the federal government.

How much can I borrow?
• $5,500 is the maximum annual amount a first-year student is eligible for, no more than$3,500 of which can be subsidized.
• $6,500 is the maximum annual amount a second-year student is eligible for, no more than $4,500 of which can be subsidized.
• $7,500 is the maximum annual amount a third- or fourth-year student is eligible for, no more than $5,500 of which can be subsidized.
•  Independent students and students whose parent(s) are denied a Federal PLUS Loan qualify for additional unsubsidized loans
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How Do I Apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan?
•First accept- then go to https://studentaid.gov and sign in with your FSA ID
o Select Entrance Counseling and complete
•  SIGN – on the same website, https://studentaid.gov website
o Select Sign Master Promissory Note and complete
•  Important Note for Both Step 2 and Step 3:
• Select “Florida” as the School State and “San Ignacio University” as the school’s name. *Your loans will be credited to your account only after the completion of all three steps.

Important Reminder: Borrow only what is needed. Remember, loans must be repaid.
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What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?
• Subsidized Loan – the federal government pays the interest on the loan until the student enters their grace period; the time they are no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Repayment begins six months after you cease to be enrolled at least half-time (including leaves of absence).
• Unsubsidized Loan – the government does not pay the interest on the loan while a student is in school as it does for the subsidized loan. Interest accrues and must be paid or capitalized during periods of enrollment in school and/or deferment.

Are there any federal loans available to parents? The Federal Direct PLUS Loan (parent loan for undergraduate, dependent students) is a loan from the U.S. Department of Education for parents of undergraduate students who meet general eligibility requirements. Your FAFSA must be on file at SIU. The maximum amount your parent may borrow for the 2022-2023 school year will be indicated on your award letter.

What is the interest rate on federal loans? The interest rate for all federal student and federal PLUS loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, will be calculated annually by the federal government based on the 10-yearTreasury note index. Are there any fees associated with these loans? An origination fee of the total loan is assessed and deducted prior to loan disbursement. For PLUS loans, an origination fee is assessed and deducted prior to loan disbursement. Origination fees are determined by the U.S. Department of Education and are subject to change on an annual basis. Loans credited to the student’s account will be less than the loan amount borrowed due to these U.S. Department of Education mandatory fees.

Is there a federal loan processing deadline?
In accordance with federal guidelines San Ignacio University may not originate a loan for a period in the academic year in which a student is no longer enrolled. Therefore, students enrolled for the academic year who are interested in borrowing a loan must complete the loan process within the academic year. Students who enroll for one semester in an academic year must complete the process within the period of enrollment for the semester. If you wish to reinstate a loan you have already declined or modify a loan you have already accepted, please complete, and return a Student Loan Change Form available at the financial aid office.

To learn more about various federal loan programs, debt management and to view sample repayment plans please visit:
•  https://studentaid.ed.gov
•  https://www.sanignaciouniversity.edu/en/financial-aid#af4

Loan Proration 
Federal regulations require SIU to prorate Federal Direct Loans for students when the student is enrolled in a program that is one academic year or more in length, but the student is in a remaining period of study that is shorter than the full academic year. This will mostly affect students that will graduate from their program of study at the end of the summer or fall semesters.
Loan Proration Formula: Number of credit hours divided by the number of credit hours in an academic year (24) multiplied by the annual Federal Direct Loan limit for the student’s grade level.

Examples:12/24=.5  x 5500 =  275015/24=.625 x 5500 =  3437.50*Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are calculated separately to determine the maximum for each loan.

To Borrow or Not to Borrow
By accepting a Federal Student Loan, you incur a binding obligation to repay the loan in full, including interest and any applicable fees. It is essential that when you plan for educational costs, you also plan for future repayment of any amounts you have borrowed. When making the decision whether to accept a loan, you should be aware of all the requirements, interest rates, repayment options, schedules, and deferment options. As stated in the Federal Student Aid Publication Your Federal Student Loans – Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt:" REMEMBER: Federal student loans are real loans, just like car loans or mortgage loans. You must repay a student loan even if your financial circumstances become difficult.

Federal student loans usually can’t be written off in bankruptcy. They can’t be canceled because you didn’t get the education or job you expected, and they can’t be canceled because you didn’t complete your education (unless you couldn’t complete your education because your school closed)."

San Ignacio University in accordance with federal regulation reports all loan borrowing, student enrollment status and changes in enrollment status to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Information in NSLDS is accessible by authorized agencies, lenders, and institutions.

How to Borrow Wisely:
SIU's Office of Student Financial Services encourages students to borrow responsibly and to use the federal loan repayment calculators to plan and manage their debt. Learn more on how to be a responsible borrower, review the Federal Student Aid publication: Be a Responsible Borrower: Plan Ahead and Graduate with Less Debt. Don't borrow without first looking into other methods of financing your education(scholarships and assistantships, for example). Look into local resources of financial aid from community organizations and civic groups. Repay your debt as soon as possible. The longer you owe, the more you owe. To help secure your financial future, regularly visit the National Student Loan Data System(NSLDS) to monitor the status of your loans and your repayment history and repay your loan on time. 

Code of Conduct for Education Loans: 
San Ignacio University, Office of Student Financial aid, code of conduct for educational loans prohibits:
•  Revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender
• Receiving gifts from a lender, a guarantor or loan servicer
•Contracting arrangement providing financial benefit from any lender or affiliate of a lender
•  Directing borrowers to lenders, or refusing or delaying loan certifications
•  Offers from lenders of funds for private loans
•  Financial aid staffing assistance from lenders
•  Advisory board compensation from lenders 

Student loan resources
- See related Video above

HELPING OUR HEROES

At San Ignacio University, we believe it is important to show our gratitude towards those who have sacrificed to keep our nation safe. We support our veterans’ educational efforts and seek to make getting VA Benefits and using them for higher learning as easy and as helpful as possible.

SIU  is approved to offer G.I. Bill® educational benefits by the FL State Approving Agency. These benefits included are listed below.

If you know you are eligible for one of these benefits, please review the appropriate benefit located below to apply to use this benefit. If you are unsure of your eligibility or entitlement, please contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (888) 442-4551. For questions regarding usage of your VA benefits at San Ignacio University please contact one of our School Certifying Officials (SCOs) at 305-629-2929 x4015.

Process for Veteran Benefits
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1.  Apply for educational benefits on www.va.gov. The students will receive a Certification of Eligibility (COE), a written notification of the Department of Veteran Affairs of the U.S.A. about the eligibility to receive educational benefits for veterans.

2.  Submit your COE and the Release Certification or Release of Active Duty (Form: DD-214) to SIU's financial aid office.

3.  Veterans are responsible to guarantee that all application requirements have been approved by VA. To ensure the status of the application process, veterans can contact the Admission Coordinator.

4.  The Veteran Certification Officer from SIU will send an electronic enrollment certification to the Department of Veteran Affairs once the applicant's forms have been received and the enrollment on SIU's classes have been confirmed. Veterans will receive an e-mail confirmation once the enrollment certification has been summited.

5.  Veterans will receive an award letter by the Department of Veteran Affairs once their eligibility is confirmed.

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Veterans deserve to use the educational benefits they earned and we, at San Ignacio University, are pleased and honored to help them use those benefits.

We welcome you to our university and we hope that you benefit significantly from your studies.
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Chapter 30-Montgomery Gi Bill® (MGIB)

The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of educational benefits. This benefit can be used for degree and certification programs, flight training, apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and remote courses. Remediation, deficiency and actualization courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are paid for 10 years after release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.

Visit the GI Bill® website for a more detailed description of Chapter 30 benefits.

Chapter 31-Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

This benefit is designed to help veterans with a service-related disability to obtain the chosen service and to maintain employment. A service-related disability classification is required as part of the eligibility requirements. Veterans must apply for vocational rehabilitation through the county's Veterans Services Office. They will receive guidance from the DVA Division of Vocational Counseling and Rehabilitation regarding application and admission requirements.

Visit GI Bill® for more information on benefits from Chapter 31.

Please note that the case manager must provide VA Form 1905 to the university to process your benefits.

Locate a Vocational Rehabilitation Center
Chapter 33: GI Bill® prior to September 11
GI Bill® prior to September 11, received Chapter 33,  offers the following benefits to veterans:

Tuition and annual fees of $ 23,671.94. Please note that this amount is subject to change based on VA annual allowances.

Housing allowance

Funding for books and supplies up to $ 1,000 per year.

Chapter 35- Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA)

Visit the GI Bill® website for a more detailed description of Chapter 35 benefits.

Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® for the Selected Reserve (MGIB – SR)

The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Veterans may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits. Benefit entitlement ends 14 years from the date of eligibility for the program, or on the day the service member has left the selected reserve. The VA pays a monthly stipend based on the number of credits taken in the academic program.

Visit the GI Bill® website for a more detailed description of Chapter 1606 benefits.

Chapter 1607- Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)

REAP is an educational benefit programs of the Department of Defense of the U.S.A. designed to provide educational assistance to reserve members called or ordered to active duty in response to war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President of the United States and/or Congress. The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security will determine who is eligible for the program. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will administer the program and pay benefits from funds contributed by the Department of Defense. The VA pays a percentage of the Montgomery GI Law based on the total length of active duty service and the number of credits taken in the academic program.

Visit the GI Bill® website for a more detailed description of Chapter 1607 benefits.

Important Avoid Delays and Overpayments

Notify immediately to the FA office at SIU if you are changing your credit hours or if you are withdrawing from the school. If you do not do it, you may causa delays or overpayments.

What forms do I need to submit to SIU?

Click here for more information about documents and forms.
For more information, contact the VA Certification Officer at SIU.

VA Certifying Official
305-629-2929 x4015
Email: flagardere@sanignaciouniversity.edu
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 6:30 pm EST

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has assigned SIU to the Muskogee Regional Processing Office.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Muskogee Regional Processing Office
P.O. Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888

888-GI-Bill-1

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CARES ACT SECTION 18004(a) (1): HEERF Institutional Aid Portion

What is the Institutional Aid portion of the CARES Act HEERF?
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The US Department of Education granted institutions of higher education the use of up to 50 percent of the funds they receive to cover any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. What are permissible expenses under the Institutional Aid portion?
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Permissible expenses covered under the Institutional Aid portion include but are not limited to, costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction, costs associated to orders, waivers and safeguards set forth by government officials and/or outstanding expenditures associated to the loss of revenue.

Expenses that will not be covered under the Institutional Aid portion of the CARES Act include payments made to contractors for the provision of pre-enrollment recruitment activities, endowments or capital outlays associated with facilities related to athletics, sectarian instruction, or religious worship.

How much funding was allocated to San Ignacio University and how much has been utilized?

Total Allocated to SIU: $69,721
Total Distributed as of 12/30/2020: 69,721.
Total Awaiting Distribution as of 12/30/2020: $0

What are the reporting requirements for the Institutional Aid portion?
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On October 13, 2020, the US Department of Education released further guidance regarding the reporting requirement for the Institutional Aid funding. All institutions participating in the HEERF Institutional Aid program are required to submit reports on a quarterly basis.

The following PDF attachments report our total expenditures of CARES Act Sections 18004(a) (1) Institutional Share as of the end of each quarter, beginning with September 30, 2020, as required by the U.S. Department of Education.

SIU CARES Act Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting

December 2020
September 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Acknowledgment of Certification and Agreement
‍An acknowledgment that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students:

‍On May 19, 2020, San Ignacio University signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.  

‍2. Total Amount of Funds Received
The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students:

SIU has been allocated $139,442 in funds for student and institutional expenses as the result of the CARES Act. Of this total allocation and consistent with the HEERF guidelines, a minimum 50 percent of the College allocation will be distributed directly to students in the form of emergency cash grants.  That 50 percent amount is $69,721 and is being provided directly to students in the form of cash grants as mandated by the CARES Act
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3. Total Amount of Funds Distributed to Students to Date
‍The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter):

‍As of December 1, 2020, $47,550 of emergency financial aid grant funds have been distributed to students. All cash grants were paid directly to the students.

The Student Portion, under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act, expended $47,550 and the amount of Institutional Portion expended is $69,721 as of December 1, 2020.

4. Estimated Total Number of Students at the Institution Eligible to Participate in Programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965

The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act:

‍Based on regulatory guidance released April 21, 2020, by the Department of Education, a total of 45 students were identified.

5. The Total Number of Students who have Received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act.

The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act:

As of December 1, 2020, 30 students have been provided emergency financial aid grant funds. All cash grants were paid directly to the students.

6. The Methods used by the Institution to Determine which Students Receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how Much they would Receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act:

SIU students were identified as eligible for the HEERF emergency cash grants by querying the University’s data system for students who met the following requirements:

Student has completed the FAFSA for 2019-2020
Student is actively enrolled in classes for Spring 2020 (not withdrawn) for the spring distribution or enrolled in classes for Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 for the summer distribution.
Student is meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Student has been awarded aid for any term in 2019-2020 (fall, spring, or summer)
Student is Legal resident or Citizen of the US
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SIU has awarded grants equally in the amount of $1,585.00 under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act.  Students who met the requirements were able to apply for grants via a simple certification process. The Emergency Committee received the certification along with eligibility proof for students with no FAFSA application on file, the certifications were reviewed for completeness and eligibility under the CARES Act and coordinated the awarding of the funds.  Eligible students were able to apply for grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including housing and food insecurity, medical expenses, and lack of educational support and supplies (including technology).

7. Any Instructions, Directions, or Guidance Provided by the Institution to Students Concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants:

For the 45 students who were determined to be eligible to apply. Multiple communications were sent to these eligible students via their email address on record, which included instructions for how to access and submit the form.

Additionally, all instruction and eligibility requirements were posted on our website.

Download as PDF: CARES ACT SECTION 18004(a) (1) HEERF Institutional Aid Portion

Report – 12/30/20
The CARES Act and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Report – 12/30/20


‍ Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”).

HEERF – Funding for Students

‍After signing the required Certification and Agreement and completing the formal application process for the U.S. Department of Education on May 19, 2020. The amount is intended to directly assist students with financial need stemming from COVID-19 related disruption of campus operations, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, and childcare, medical and travel expense. As of this report, $47,550 has been distributed to eligible students.

To be eligible for the CARES Act Grant, a student must have been enrolled and actively participating in the spring semester as of March 13, 2020 and must be eligible for Title IV aid. To determine Title IV eligibility, students must have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2021-2021 academic year.

Students who met the eligibility requirements were awarded $1,585 equally. Grants were distributed to the students via direct deposit.


Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)

Reporting and Disclosure
July 15, 2020, 45-Day Report

In accordance with the reporting requirements of Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, San Ignacio University (SIU), an institution receiving funds under this section, is providing the following information:

• SIU acknowledges that the University signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement on May 14, 2020. The institution further certifies it will use a minimum of 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

• SIU received $69,721.00 from the Department pursuant to the University’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.• The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act as of July 15, 2020, is $ 45,965.00.

• The estimated total number of students at SIU eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible or could be eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 45.

• The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act is 29 as of the date listed in number 3 above.

• SIU has awarded grants equally in the amount of $1,585.00 under Section 18004(a) (1) of the CARES Act. Students who met the requirements were able to apply for grants via a simple certification process. The Emergency Committee received the certification along with eligibility proof for students with no FAFSA application on file, the certifications were reviewed for completeness and eligibility under the CARES Act and coordinated the awarding of the funds. Eligible students were able to apply for grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, including housing and food insecurity, medical expenses, and lack of educational support and supplies (including technology).

• Instructions provided by SIU to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants were distributed VIA emails, and information about the grant was posted on our website: https://www.sanignaciouniversity.edu/en/cares-act-emergency-relief-funds...

Download as PDF:
‍Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)

June 12th, 2020, Report
CARES Act Emergency Relief Funds Distribution

San Ignacio University received a total of $139,442 in Emergency Relief Funds. The money was received in two disbursements. The first disbursement of $69,721.00 was designated for emergency grants for student aid. The second disbursement of $69,721.00 was designated for emergency relief for the institution.

The institution signed and returned to the Department of Education (DOE) the Certification Agreement and the assurance that the institution intends to use 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, and the other 50% to the institution.

The university has approximately 30 Title IV eligible students and an additional 15 students who could be eligible for Title IV. These students have been emailed on June 12, 2020, to apply for the $69,721.00 in emergency relief aid designated for student aid. The university referred to guidance provided by the Department of Education in the development of its Higher Education Emergency Relief certification. Those students who could be eligible, are asked to provide proof of their eligibility. All applicants will be screened for an eligibility check. Once eligibility is confirmed, funds will be disbursed to those students via direct deposit.

Students eligible to receive the relief aid will be notified by email on a daily basis. Additional emails will be sent thereafter to reach those students who didn’t respond to the initial email. The email communication details both the eligibility requirements and instructions for the application process.

The primary method used to determine the student portion of CARES Act funding gives priority to all eligible students and those who could be. The award amounts will depend on the total number of eligible applicants and total amount of funding to award.

As the application window is still open, a total of $0 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants has been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter). The majority of funds are expected to be distributed in the next few weeks.

Federal CARES Act FAQs

What is the CARES Act?

The https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion-emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreakhttps://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion-emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreak

‍CARES Act is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act established and funded the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to provide emergency financial aid grants. One part of this federal program allocates money to the University of Florida, and a portion of that allocation can be awarded to students who are experiencing expenses due to the coronavirus.

Who is eligible for a Federal CARES Act Emergency Grant?
Students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid and who have the greatest financial need can be considered for these funds. Unfortunately, the CARES Act does not allow these funds to be used for international students or DACA students.

How do I apply for the Federal Emergency Aid Grant?
Information about applying for these funds will be emailed to eligible students when funding becomes available. International and DACA students are not eligible to receive funds from the CARES Act.

Does emergency funding apply to graduate students?
Graduate students may be eligible.

What constitutes eligible expenses to qualify for emergency funding?
This could apply to a variety of financial costs directly tied to the effects of an emergency situation that is straining students. This could include money spent for unanticipated travel, replacement of medications, emergency childcare due to extended school closures, additional technology requirements, etc.

What kinds of expenses are allowable?
Funds can be used for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, tuition, fees, or childcare.

Do I have to repay a Federal Emergency Aid Grant?
Typically, you would not have to repay the amount awarded to you. The Federal Emergency Aid Grant funds are designed to be a grant, not a loan.

Where are the funds coming from? Is there some sort of disaster relief fund?
The University has been awarded https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion-emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreakhttps://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion-emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreak CARES Act, which provides emergency grants for eligible college students impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

How will SIU disburse the money?
For students who have signed up for direct deposit sent to the students via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

Would this funding reduce my financial aid?
No, this fund does not negate nor replace financial aid, and it is a one-time grant.

How much money is available for each applicant?
Amounts vary, but students must provide a signed certificate acknowledging receipt and that they meet the requirement to receive the funds. The amount will be distributed equally.

What documentation is required to be submitted with the certification?
This will depend on the individual claim. However, a student who could be the eligible need to provide proof of eligibility (i.e., permanent resident, asylum approved, Citizenship, etc.)

How can students obtain more information about the Federal Emergency Aid Grant?
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion-emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreakhttps://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion-emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreak

Do I need to report financial aid or grants on my federal tax return?
The IRS issued FAQs on the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act that clarifies that the CARES Act aid should be treated as a “qualified disaster relief payment” and not be treated as taxable income. Each financial award you receive from the federal government and other sources will have separate and unique tax consequences for your federal tax return. Visit the https://www.irs.gov/IRS website for assistance.

Download as PDF: CARES Act Emergency Relief Funds Distribution

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Disclosure
Disclosure Letter to students

Financial education can help developing the financial capacity to make smart decisions about accessing, completing and promoting academic programs and financial health for life. Here below are some helpful resources to help improve your financial health.