Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act Student Grant
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 included additional COVID-19 relief through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. This new COVID stimulus bill included $23 billion for higher education institutions and students, using the same Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) model established in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Eligible expenses include:
- Any component of their cost of attendance
- Emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as: tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health), and childcare
Institutions are required to prioritize grants to students with exceptional financial need, such as those who receive Pell Grants.
LRSC Higher Education Emergency Relief Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Awarding & Disbursement Policy
- Eligible students must have a valid 2020-2021 FAFSA submitted
- Must be a degree-seeking student enrolled in at least 3 credits
- LRSC will distribute HEERF II funds to students with exceptional need, defined as Pell-eligible students, and those self-identifying as having needs due to COVID-19
Pell-eligible students who had a FAFSA submitted by March 1st, 2021 will receive a block grant in the amount of $500. This block grant will be awarded to prioritize those students with exceptional financial needs.
Title IV eligible students with exceptional needs may apply for remaining funding.
- LRSC will review applications that are submitted and will disburse funds to eligible students on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- The Financial Aid Director, Director of TRiO, Counseling Coordinator, and Online Coordinator/Advisor will determine who is approved for the grant aid based on application.
- Student emergency relief funds will be paid directly to students unless they indicate in writing that they would like the funds applied to their account. Students applying will have the option on the application to select that they would like the grant applied to their bill.
Title IV-eligible students are defined as:
- Having U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen
- Having a valid Social Security number
- Registered with Selective Service (if the student is male)
- Having a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting
- Not in default on a federal student loan or have made satisfactory arrangements to repay it
- Do not owe money back on a federal student grant or have made satisfactory arrangements to repay it
- Will not receive a Federal Pell Grant from more than one college for the same period of enrollment
As of 3/31/2021, $87,500 has been awarded to 175 students.
As of 4/8/2021, $104,937 has been awarded to 210 students.