COVID-19 student relief available

By CSU Media | September 30, 2021

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, was signed into law and awarded $4,202,625 to Charleston Southern University in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (referred to as HEERF III). The purpose of this funding is to provide students that may have experienced loss of employment or other financial support due to the COVID-19 emergency. These aid payments were intended to help with expenses incurred as a result of the emergency, including housing, food, course materials, technology, healthcare, or childcare.

As under the CARES and CRRSAA, CSU is directed with the HEERF III Funds to prioritize grants to students with exceptional financial need, such as those who receive Pell Grants or are undergraduates with extraordinary financial circumstances. Eligibility for HEERF III funds will be based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Students that completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not need to complete anything else.

Students without a FAFSA on file who believe they may be eligible may still submit a FAFSA application and provide a copy of the EFC calculation to the Financial Aid office to be considered.

Provide EFC calculation

Student Aid Grants will be awarded based on the following qualifications:

Expected Family Contribution Ranges	12 credits +	Less than 12 credits
0 Expected Contribution (highest need)	$2,000	$1,000
Students with PELL Grant Eligible EFC (1-4,000) (exceptional need)	$1,750	$875

Expected Family Contribution Ranges	12 credits +	Less than 12 credits
Students with PELL Grant Eligible EFC (4,001-5,711)	$1,500	$750
Expected Family Contribution below the cost of attendance (5,712-10,000)	$1,000	$500
Other qualified students with Expected Family Contribution below the cost of attendance – eligible for need based (10,001-15,000)	$500	$250
Qualified students with Expected Family Contribution of (15,000-20,000	$250	$125

Eligible students were awarded funds and sent award emails notifications. Students who did not submit a FAFSA may still be considered for the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant. Students have the option to file a FAFSA during the application period and submit to the Financial Aid office for consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

HEERF III

Who is eligible for the Student Emergency Grant HEERF III?

Students enrolled in Fall 2021 and have a 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Data from the FAFSA application will be used to determine the amount of the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant.

Students who did not submit a FAFSA will still be considered for the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant. Students have the option to file a FAFSA during the application period and submit to the Financial Aid office for consideration.

If I am awarded a HEERF III Student Emergency Grant, what happens next?: Eligible students will be notified via email with further instructions on how to receive their Student Emergency Grant.

Will the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant affect my financial aid eligibility?: No. HEERF III Student Emergency Grants do not affect financial aid eligibility and is a one-time grant that does not need to be repaid.

Do I have to complete requested verification documents to be eligible?: No. If you were selected for federal, state or institutional verification, you are not required to complete this process to receive the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant.

I’m not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid, will I still get a HEERF III Student Emergency Grant?: Yes. Meeting SAP is not an eligibility requirement for this emergency grant.

Why did I not receive a HEERF III Student Emergency Grant?: There may be additional factors that may affect your eligibility for the HEERF III Emergency Grant, please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

What if I need more emergency aid funding?: Based upon the amount of federal funding available, we do not have additional emergency aid funding beyond the initial aid payments for HEERF III. However, if your financial circumstances have changed for any reason, you are able to submit a Special Circumstance Form located here and send to specialcircumstance@csuniv.edu to be considered for a re-evaluation of your financial aid and Student Emergency Grant eligibility.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?: For questions regarding HEERF III Student Emergency Grant you may contact our office at arp@csuniv.edu.