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HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grant

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides colleges with emergency grants for their students.

The HEERF can help you cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. You do not have to pay back funds you receive from the HEERF.

What expenses qualify for an emergency grant?

Eligible expenses are directly related to moving classes online or losing access to on-campus services at the TCC. You must explain how TCC moving to online classes (for either Summer 2020, Spring 2020 or Fall 2020) and closing campuses caused, or will cause, your extra expenses. 

Loss of job or income (even if it is due to COVID-19) is not an eligible expense.

If you have a loss of income due to COVID-19, review our financial aid special circumstances forms.

Am I eligible to apply for emergency grant funds?

To be eligible for emergency grant funds from HEERF, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs, as listed below:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid Social Security number
  • Be registered for Selective Service (if male)
  • Be a high school graduate or have a recognized equivalent (such as a GED)
  • Not in default on a federal student loan
  • Not owe money on a federal student grant
  • Did not have a drug conviction while receiving federal student aid
  • Be enrolled as a TCC student in an eligible financial aid program of study during spring 2020, summer 2020, or fall 2020
  • Be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) during the spring 2020, summer 2020, or fall 2020 semesters
  • Incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19

Ineligibility

You are not eligible to receive HEERF emergency grant funds for Spring 2020 if you were enrolled exclusively in online courses as of March 13, 2020; however, you are eligible for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020.

How much am I able to receive in emergency grant funds?

You may receive up to a maximum of $1,000 for all eligible semesters combined (this is not per semester).

The amount awarded is dependent on your eligible semester(s), amount of expense(s), and your description of why the expense was due to TCC's move to online classes.

How do I apply for emergency grant funds?

To apply,

  1. Make sure you meet the listed eligibility requirements.
  2. Update your refund preference through Bankmobile.
  3. Complete and submit the HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grant Request Form.
    When filling out the form, make sure to:
    • Choose all eligible semesters (spring, summer, or fall)
    • Include the total amount for any eligible expense
    • Clearly describe how TCC moving to online classes and closing campuses caused the expenses you're claiming.

After You Apply

Student Financial Aid Services (SFAS) will review your request and notify you of a final decision via your myTCC email. Reviews will be complete within 3-5 business days.

If approved, grants will be refunded twice a week (on Tuesdays and Wednesday) through BankMobile.

HEERF grant disbursements will be issued approximately two weeks prior to the start of the term for which the grant is awarded, or within approximately one week of receiving the award notice, whichever is later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to complete a FAFSA to apply for this grant?

No. However, you do need to meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs. The HEERF emergency grant program is only temporary support. For additional financial assistance, complete the FAFSA online.

All of my classes are online. Am I eligible for the HEERF emergency grant?

Maybe. You are not eligible for Spring 2020 if you were enrolled exclusively in online classes as of March 13, 2020. However, you may be eligible for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020.

I'm enrolled in a Community Education & Engagement (CEE) program. Am I eligible for the HEERF emergency grant?

No. CEE students are ineligible for federal financial aid.

I am undocumented and/or a DACA student. Am I eligible for the HEERF emergency grant?

No. You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Instead, you can apply for the Student Emergency Assistance Fund, another emergency student aid program.

Do I have to be a full-time student to be eligible?

No. You just need to be enrolled at TCC.

I'm enrolled at TCC and another college/university. Can I request the HEERF emergency grant from both schools?

You can request a HEERF emergency grant from TCC. You will need to contact your other school to see if you qualify for their HEERF emergency grant program.

Is the HEERF emergency grant the same as the Student Emergency Assistance Fund?

No. The Student Emergency Assistance Fund is separate from the HEERF emergency grant program. You can apply to receive additional financial assistance from the Student Emergency Assistance Fund.

Students that receive HEERF, will not be eligible for the Student Emergency Assistance Fund during the same semester. If you experience an emergency during a different semester, you can apply and your application will be reviewed.

If I have received Student Emergency Assistance funds, can I also apply for the HEERF emergency funds?

Yes, if you meet the listed eligibility requirements.

When is the last day to apply for the grant?

HEERF emergency grants are first-come, first-served. They will be awarded until funding has been exhausted.

How will I know if I was awarded the HEERF emergency grant?

You will receive an email in your myTCC email account. Additionally, your Financial Aid Self-Service will be updated with the HEERF emergency grant funds.

I have a balance on my TCC tuition account. If I'm awarded this grant, will the balance be deducted?

No. The entire amount of the grant will be disbursed to you through your refund preferences at BankMobile.

Can the HEERF emergency grant help me with my tuition balance?

No. This grant is only for direct assistance. For tuition assistance, complete the FAFSA online.

What if I'm unable to set up an account through BankMobile?

You will need to contact the Business Services Office.

More About the HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grant

TCC's HEERF emergency grant allocation is $10.9 million. One hundred percent of this allocation is used to fund TCC's entire HEERF emergency grant program.

Find more detailed information about TCC's distribution of HEERF emergency financial aid grants.

Additional Questions?

Student Financial Aid Services is available to assist you if you still have questions about the HEERF emergency grant.

Contact Student Financial Aid Services via:

Updated November 12, 2020