Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF 1)

The federal government approved three rounds of emergency funds for students with exceptional financial need related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act – HEERF 1, April 2020
• CRRSAA (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act) HEERF 2, December 2020, and
• ARP (American Rescue Plan) Act 2021 – HEERF 3, April 2021

HEERF funds are limited and the college cannot guarantee all eligible students will receive funding.

As of July 2021, currently registered students who meet the following criteria may apply and be considered for HEERF 3 funds:

• All registered students may submit an application for the funds, including international, undocumented, and high school students participating in CEO (Career Education Options), and Running Start.
• Must be registered for at least one credit.
• Must submit the 2022 -23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or if not eligible to submit the FAFSA, must submit the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
• International students: Email the International Education Office directly with questions about the application process -  oipcares23@edmonds.edu
• Must demonstrate eligibility with the highest exceptional financial need for federal funds based on the processing of the FAFSA by the federal processor, or the WASFA.

The Department of Education has determined that undocumented students are now eligible to receive round 3 federal emergency funds. Prior to spring quarter 2021 the college was able to award state funds to eligible undocumented state resident students. To apply for funds, submit the WASFA, which is linked below. 

The Department of Education has determined that international students are now eligible to receive round 3 emergency funds.

International students: Email the International Education Office directly with questions about the application process -  oipcares23@edmonds.edu

Once awarded, students may choose how they wish to spend the funds. The college will not tell students how to use the funds they receive, and funds are not put on student accounts to pay tuition or other college fees unless authorized in writing by the student.

We expect to award up to $1,000 to all eligible students, and to begin the process week of January 30, 2023. Check back here for updated information as dates may change.

Note: it takes several days for students to receive notification that an award is available through BankMobile.

This is determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is based on the processing results of the FAFSA and WASFA.

The EFC is primarily based on income and household size, and occasionally may include other criteria. A zero EFC represents the highest exceptional financial need.

For Spring 2023 quarter we expect to serve all students with an EFC between 0 – 2000.

The 2022 – 23 application uses income earned in 2020. If you experienced a significant decrease in your income since 2020, you can submit a Special Conditions – Recalculation of Income form , which asks the financial aid office to reevaluate your income level and potentially reduce your EFC.

International students: Email the International Education Office directly with questions about the application process -  oipcares23@edmonds.edu

Note: students may not receive a HEERF award from both offices.

We determine eligibility based on having a FAFSA/WASFA on file with a valid EFC, and by meeting the eligibility criteria listed above. Most students do not need to turn in any additional documents.

International Students have a separate application they must complete.

Note: students may not receive an award from both offices.

Most students have already applied if they have a 2022 – 23 FAFSA or WASFA on file with the financial aid office, and a valid EFC.
A valid EFC means your application was not rejected. To see if the financial aid office has your FAFSA/WASFA on file, use the Edmonds College Financial Aid Portal.

Note: We plan to disburse federal emergency funds for Winter 23. To receive these funds, students must submit the 2022 – 23 FAFSA/WASFA.

If you have not yet submitted the 2022 – 23 FAFSA or WASFA, you may do so now by using the appropriate links below:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)

The Financial Aid Office must receive your FAFSA/WASFA, and/or your request for a reevaluation of income by Monday, February 6, 2023.

Allow one week for the office to receive your FAFSA/WASFA. Please submit your information early.

All HEERF funds will be sent to the student through our 3rd party disbursing partner, BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution powered by BMTX, Inc. See Award Offer and Payments to learn more.

IMPORTANT: The offer for HEERF funds expires on the last day of winter quarter.

Students who do not cash or deposit their funds by March 20 of quarter will lose the HEERF funds.

The best way to reach the financial aid office for assistance is by using the online help request system. When submitting a request, indicate you need assistance with completing the FAFSA or WASFA or applying for Federal Emergency Funds and choose the financial aid department.

Use the button below to access the online help request system.

Support Request

International students: Email the International Education Office directly with questions about the application process: oipcares23@edmonds.edu