The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) was signed into law in December 2020. The Act provides $22.7 billion in aid to address higher education challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this amount, $20.2 billion is allocated directly to colleges and universities. Unlike the CARES Act (HEERF I), the bill stipulates that CRRSAA (HEERF II) funding must be prioritized to students with “exceptional need.”
For information on HEERF I, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and HEERF III, the American Rescue Plan (ARP), visit Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds.
- As of May 11, 2021, the Department of Education released revised guidance that undocumented and international students are eligible to receive HEERF. How has UC Davis implemented these changes?
- As of May 11, 2021, when the revised guidance was released, UC Davis had allocated and expensed its HEERF and HEERF II allotment. However, HEERF III funding will be awarded to all eligible students based on the new guidance.
- Who is eligible for the CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant and how will eligibility be determined?
- Eligibility for CRRSAA funding for undergraduate students is based on need as determined by the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. Eligible students must also be enrolled in the spring 2021 term.
Eligibility for CRRSAA funding for graduate and professional students is based on need and requires spring 2021 enrollment. Graduate and professional students are required to complete an affidavit with the campus confirming eligibility as soon as possible to be considered for aid.
Undocumented AB 540 students with a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) on file for 2020-21 will receive relief funds from institutional emergency grants equivalent to the awards provided to federally eligible students. - How much will eligible students receive in the CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant?
- The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) is one-time funding divided between eligible graduate/professional students and undergraduate students based on the percentage of enrollment.
Awards will be distributed to eligible undergraduate students based on need as determined by the 2020-21 FAFSA with an emphasis on providing additional support to the neediest populations:
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS*
• Pell Grant recipients: $1,000
• Students receiving grants other than Pell Grant: $750
• Students eligible for Subsidized Direct Loans only and not receiving grants: $500
Funding for eligible graduate/professional students, as determined by a signed affidavit from the student, will be distributed equally amongst the population as follows (per student)
GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS*
• All programs: $600
*Undocumented AB 540 students will receive relief funds from institutional emergency grants equivalent to the awards provided to Title IV eligible students. See the Additional COVID-19 Support section below. - When will eligible students receive the CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant?
- Financial Aid and Scholarships will begin disbursing funds on April 9, 2021, to eligible students. Grants will be awarded to enrolled students with need on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted. In the meantime, please sign up for direct deposit and/or verify that your mailing address is accurate in the Student Information System.
- Why didn’t I receive a CRRSAA disbursement?
- UC Davis students who are eligible for need-based federal financial aid programs are eligible for federal CRRSA Act grants. If you are eligible for federal need-based aid but did not receive a CRRSAA Emergency Relief Grant, you can notify our office for an eligibility review.
If you are ineligible for a CRRSAA disbursement, and your family was significantly affected by issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, we may be able to help you with emergency aid from other institutional resources. See the Institutional Student Support section.
For help with longer-term and future needs consider a Family Contribution Review appeal. The appeal form will be available in July 2021 for the 2021-22 academic year and is currently available for the 2020-21 academic year for any changes in income that occurred during the 2020 fiscal year. - If I receive funds from the CRRSAA and withdraw from the spring quarter/semester, do I have to return the CRRSAA grant?
- No, the CRRSAA funding is intended to provide one-time relief funding to mitigate the disruption caused by COVID-19.
- Am I eligible for a Coronavirus relief award for the summer quarter?
- The American Rescue Plan (ARP) included additional COVID-19 relief for institutions of higher education. Financial Aid and Scholarships is currently waiting for additional guidance from the Federal Government to determine when ARP Act funding will be distributed to UC Davis. Once the guidance has been released, this information will be updated on our website. Visit ARP FAQs for updates.