CRRSAA: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II

This information is provided to comply with the U.S. Department of Education’s HEERF reporting requirements.

NOTE: Information available on additional COVID-19 funding provided UC and students. Information on UC's response to coronavirus is also available at our university COVID-19 resource site. 

The 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA, Section 314 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021) was signed into law authorizing an additional Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) designated as HEERF II.

Higher education institutions were granted $21.2 billion to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding was again distributed by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education aimed at institutional efforts as well as direct student assistance. Fund usage reporting is also posted quarterly.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) has signed a Certification and Agreement with the Department of Education to accept allocated funds from the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA, Section 314 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021).

The University of Cincinnati understands students have had ongoing issues brought about by the pandemic. Uncertainty, instability, isolation, and self-doubt have weighed on many students. We know that you have had a year of remote education, struggled at times with securing experiential learning placements, and may have had job loss for you or someone who financially supports you. 

UC received $11,763,656 in HEERF II funding to be made available as direct assistance to students with eligibility limited to Title IV-eligibility and priority given to Federal Pell Grant recipients.

Once again, the university sought to help as many students as possible address the unexpected expenses and losses arising from COVID-19. Funds were distributed to students as follows:

• Spring 2021
  • $1,000 Federal Emergency Relief 2 awards 
    • Title IV-eligible student
    • Enrolled at least half-time for spring 2021 on March 4, 2021
    • Receiving a Federal Pell Grant for spring 2021
      • Total expenditure: $6,549,000
  • $750 Federal Emergency Relief 2 awards 
    • Title IV-eligible student
    • Enrolled at least half-time for spring 2021 on March 4, 2021
    • Expected family contribution (EFC) at or less than 12,000
    • Not receiving a Federal Pell Grant for spring 2021
      • Total expenditure: $4,951,500

• Fall 2021
  • $2,000 Federal Emergency Relief 2 awards
    • Title IV-eligible student
    • Enrolled for at least half-time fall 2021
    • Remainder of HEERF II funding used to make some awards following methodology of fall 2021 HEERF III awarding
      • Total expenditure: $172,406

• Emergency Fund Applications
  
  • Up to $500 Federal Emergency Relief 2E emergency application awards
    • Title IV-eligible student
    • Enrolled at least half-time for spring 2021 or enrolled summer 2021
    • Not awarded other UC emergency funding or HEERF II awards noted above
    • Application for UC Federal Emergency Relief 2 Appeal or UC Federal Emergency Relief 2 Appeal - Summer via Scholarship Search tile within Catalyst will be available March 11, 2021, and remain open through July 31, 2021
    • Emergency within HEERF II limitations.
      • Total expenditure: $90,750

Title IV (federal aid) eligibility was a requirement established by the U.S. Department of Education. The University of Cincinnati meets this requirement and identified the expected family contribution (EFC) through a completed 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 4, 2021, or at the time of an emergency application.

Read more about HEERF II support for UC students.

Awards will post to student accounts as Federal Emergency Relief Funds 2 and will be refunded to the student. Students should confirm they are currently enrolled in direct deposit with an active bank account. These awards and the associated refund will appear on your bill within Catalyst.

Federal Emergency Relief Funds are intended to help with expenses due to coronavirus. Funds will be issued even if the student has a balance due UC. Receipt of a refund does not indicate your financial obligations to UC have been paid. Always review your current financial status within Catalyst. Failure to meet payment obligations can carry penalties including late fees and registration blocks. 

Funds will be deposited directly into your bank account 2-3 days after the refund transaction appears on your student account. Students without direct deposit will be sent a paper check that could take up to 10 days for processing.