A third round of pandemic relief money is available to students with a secure Fall Semester 2021 schedule enrolled at least half time. Action is required by students to access the funds before they run out.
The money, provided through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III, or HEERF III, is being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis using two methods until all funds are exhausted.
The first method involves Student Financial Aid, which is distributing to students who complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The second method is through Student Care and Well-Being, which is taking applications and distributing to students who do not complete a FAFSA. Both avenues ask students to attest to their eligibility online.
Students may not receive money from both sources. A list of criteria can be found on the HEERF III webpage.
Have a FAFSA?
Distribution to students with a FAFSA is based on their Estimated Family Contribution, which comes from information provided on the FAFSA. For a full breakdown of aid amounts, see the table on the HEERF III webpage.
Starting after Labor Day, Student Financial Aid will notify students of the HEERF III fund application process, which includes completing an attestation statement within myBama.
No FAFSA?
Those without a FAFSA can apply for HEERF III funds through Student Care and Well-Being, which is distributing based on the type of emergency need identified in the online application. To apply, complete the application at the Student Care and Well-Being website.
About the Funding
Congress distributed funds to higher education institutions through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III within the American Rescue Plan of 2021. These funds are to be used by colleges and universities to provide aid to students impacted by COVID-19. This is separate from previous federal COVID-19 relief funding. Receipt of previous funds does not impact the ability to receive these new funds.