Emergency Relief Funds

Coronavirus Information

Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) Funds (aka CARES)

***All HEERF funds available for EWU students have been exhausted and no further distributions are expected.***

HEERF I: Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act (CARES)

March 2020, Congress passed the first of three economic relief packages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. HEERF I funds were issued to eligible EWU students spring, summer and fall 2020.

HEERF II: Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)

December 2020, Congress passed additional emergency aid to support college students. HEERF II funds were issued to eligible EWU students winter/spring 2021.

HEERF III: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

March 2021, Congress passed additional emergency aid to support college students. HEERF III funds were issued to students beginning summer of 2021 and will continue through the 2021-22 school year.

HEERF Federal Disclosures

  • Eastern Washington University signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for HEERF funding and will 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. HEERF II funds were automatically issued to schools based on the original HEERF agreement.
  • From HEERF, EWU received $4,993,150 for distribution to students and $4,993,150 for institutional funding. From HEERF II, EWU received an additional $4,993,150 for distribution to students and $11,568,163 for institutional funding. From HEERF III, EWU received an additional $14,668,689 for distribution to students and $14,478,664 for institutional funding.
  • The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to date is $24,654,989.
  • The estimated number of EWU students eligible to participate in programs under section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive HEERF Grants under section 18004(a)(1) of the Cares Act is more than 9,000 per school year.
  • The total number of instances EWU students received HEERF Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 26,239. For details on the usage of institutional funds:
  • The methods used by EWU to determine which students receive HEERF Grants and how much they receive is based on the following criteria:
    • Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
    • U.S. citizens or permanent residents
    • Fully admitted, degree-seeking undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate
    • Enrolled at least half-time
    • Title IV eligible FAFSA filers
    • Maintaining satisfactory academic progress

To distribute funds quickly, a standard grant was awarded to those students with the greatest financial need under the following tiers.

Tier #1: Automatic Grants

Automatic cash payments to eligible enrolled EWU students. Award amounts ranged from $250 to $2,000 and varied based on Student Aid Index (SAI).

Tier #2: Grants by Application

Funds to eligible EWU students who submitted an application. Award amount varied based on student circumstances and needs.

Tier #3: Professional Judgment

Students/families with a change in income due to the pandemic, and in need of a more thorough review of their financial aid situation, should contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss a financial aid appeal. Other sources of aid may be available.

Disbursement of Awarded Funds

HEERF (CARES) grant awardees received funds directly disbursed to their bank accounts or checks sent to their current mailing address. Students opting for HEERF (CARES) funds to assist with EWU charges had funds directly applied to their outstanding balance due.

 

Feedback, Questions & Reporting

All members of the university community should report positive COVID-19 diagnoses or share their concerns and questions using the form below.

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EWU Counseling and Wellness

201 URC/225 Martin Hall
Cheney, WA 99004
Phone: 509.359.2366
Email: cws@ewu.edu
Website: ewu.edu/bewell

We are your source for health and wellbeing information on campus. Our mission is to support and empower student wellbeing, growth and development through education, information and positive role-modeling. Successful achievement of this commitment is enhanced through collaboration with our campus and surrounding communities.

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Text: Questions about COVID-19? Call the WA State Dept of Health: 1.800.525.0127 and press # or visit srhd.org/covid19