CARES Act Student Emergency Aid Funding

CARES Act Student Emergency Aid funding FAQs

CARES ACT FAQS- STUDENT

Am I eligible for CARES Act funds?

Current degree-seeking students enrolled at least half time in spring who are eligible to apply for federal Title IV financial aid are eligible to apply for CARES Act funds. If a student who meets the spring qualifications requests funding for fall 2020, they must also enroll half time.

I am an international student and not a citizen of the United States.  Am I eligible for a CARES Act grant?

No.  Because you are not able to apply for federal Title IV financial aid, you are not eligible.

How can students apply for CARES Act funds?

Eligible students may apply online beginning April 27, 2020, until all funds are exhausted.

What are the types of expenses covered by CARES Act funding?

Eligible expenses for CARES Act funding include, but are not necessarily limited to, medical, food, housing, utilities, technology expenses, relocation costs to return home, unexpected childcare, course materials, and other unexpected expenses included in the student’s cost of attendance.

How much funding will I get?

Award amounts vary by student and are unique to each student’s circumstances.

What should I do if I’m not sure that my expense would be covered by CARES Act funding?

We encourage all students in need who did not receive an automatic award to fill out the application and describe the funding they need to successfully pursue their studies.

How long before I know if I’m awarded?

We anticipate a large volume of applications and will work to process submissions as quickly as possible. Our goal is to provide funding decisions as soon as possible, but no later than 7-10 business days depending upon the sufficiency of your application and required documentation.

What documentation am I required to submit for the CARES Act application?

Documentation is dependent upon the circumstances of the student applying and will be outlined in the application.

How will I receive the funding if my request is approved?

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your funding. Designate your bank account in OASIS. Follow the instructions below to set up eDeposit in your OASIS account:

  1. Go to my.usf.edu
  2. Sign in using your USF NetID & Password
  3. Go into the OASIS website
  4. Select “Tuition & Fees” on the “Student” tab
  5. Select “Subscribe to eDeposit”

If you are awarded funds, it will take approximately 24-48 business hours from your notification date for the funds to be deposited into your bank account. Some banks make take longer to process payments.

If you are not able to set up a direct deposit account, you be mailed a paper check to the local mailing address on record with the university. Be advised that this method can take between 1-2 weeks

I graduate this semester. Can I still receive assistance?

If you are graduating in fall 2020, you may submit an application to be considered for funding as long as you are enrolled half time in both spring 2020 and fall 2020 semesters.

Why was I was not funded the amount that I requested?

Every application will be evaluated individually, and the amount granted will be based on the documentation submitted and funding available.

I need more funding. Can I reapply for more than what I originally requested?

You can submit another application for assistance, but only after your initial application has been processed.

CARES ACT FAQS- Community, Faculty, Staff

I know of a USF student who needs financial help. Where do I refer them to?

Eligible students may apply online beginning April 27, 2020, until all funds are exhausted.

Half of the CARES Act funding is going to USF students as required by the federal government.  How is the university using the other 50 percent of the funds distributed?

Institutions will receive allocations and guidance for the institutional share of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund in the coming weeks. Institutions will be able to use these funds to cover costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.