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Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
Formerly known as the CARES fund
What is the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) Program
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.
Who is eligible for funds?
Students enrolled for winter quarter 2023 must meet the following conditions to be considered for the HEERF funds:
- All enrolled students are considered for HEERF funding, including international, undocumented,
ELA, Running Start, high school completion, EDCAP students
- Continuing Education students are not eligible for consideration
- 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.
- Must have an EFC between 0-2000 as indicated on the FAFSA/WASFA
I am an undocumented student. Can I apply for federal emergency funds?
Yes, complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
I am an international student, can I receive federal emergency funds?
Yes, but international students follow a different application process. Email the Office of International Education directly with questions about the application process - oipcares23@edmonds.edu
If I receive funds, what can I spend them on?
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.
How much can I expect to receive for Winter 2023 quarter? When can I expect to receive the funds?
We are awarding up to $1,000 to all eligible students.
We expect it to take up to three weeks to award nearly 1,000 students. We plan to provide the first update on where we are in processing on Thursday, February 23.
Note: it takes several days for students to receive notification that an award is available through BankMobile.
How do you determine the “highest exceptional financial need?”
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 winter 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.
Do I need to turn in other documents in addition to the FAFSA or the WASFA to receive funds?
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.
How do I apply?
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:
What is the deadline for winter quarter funding?
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.
How will I receive my funds?
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 Payments & Refunds 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.
How can I ask questions about this process, or receive help in filling out the FAFSA or WASFA?
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.
International students: Email the International Education Office directly with questions about the application process: oipcares23@edmonds.edu
Have a Question?
Contact Financial Aid.