CRRSA Act Emergency Grant FAQ

In compliance with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act, Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), UNH has released information regarding the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting—

What is the CRRSA Act?

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation (CRRSA) Act is federal legislation that provides additional financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). One part of this federal program provides emergency grants to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional need or unexpected expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Where are the CRRSA Act Emergency Grant funds coming from? Is there some sort of disaster relief fund?

The University of New Hampshire was awarded supplemental HEERF funds from the federal CRRSA Act, which provides one-time emergency grants for eligible college students with exceptional need or unexpected expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How do I know if I qualify for a CRRSA Act Emergency Grant?

  • Undergraduate and Graduate degree students who have exceptional financial need or unexpected expenses are eligible to apply for these funds.
  • CRRSA Act funds are distributed to eligible students based upon exceptional financial need or unexpected expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In all cases, students with exceptional financial need will be prioritized for funding first.
  • The CRRSA Act and U.S. Department of Education guidance currently prohibit these funds from going to international students and DACA students. However, these students are encouraged to apply for funds through the Student Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.

Am I eligible for an Emergency Grant if I did not apply for financial aid?

Not currently. The University understands there is a great need right now and that family financial situations have changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. UNH is using available information from financial aid applications to prioritize students with exceptional financial need to meet CRRSA Act requirements and U.S. Department of Education guidance to distribute funds quickly. Students who are not eligible for an Emergency Grant can apply for assistance through the Student Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.

How do I apply for a CRRSA Act Emergency Grant?

  • Eligible students will be notified via their UNH email address. Students will apply for the funds through WEBCAT by selecting CRRSA Act Emergency Grant under the Financial Aid tab.
  • International students and DACA students are not currently eligible to receive emergency grants through the CRRSA Act; emergency funds are available for these UNH students through the Student Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.

Does receiving a CRRSA Act Emergency Grant reduce my financial aid?

No, this fund does not eliminate or replace financial aid. It is a one-time grant.

If I received a CARES Act Emergency Grant, am I eligible for a CRRSA Act Emergency Grant?

Yes. Eligibility for a CRRSA Act Emergency Grant is independent from the CARES Act Emergency Grant. Having received a CARES Act Emergency Grant does not impact your eligibility for a CRRSA Act Emergency Grant.

If I did not apply for a CARES Act Emergency Grant, am I eligible for a CRRSA Act Emergency Grant?

Yes, if you meet the CRRSA Act Emergency Grant eligibility requirements of either exceptional need or unexpected expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How much can I receive in a CRRSA Act Emergency Grant?

Amounts vary; eligibility will be determined once the application is completed. Emergency grants will generally be between $500 and $2500.

How will UNH determine the amount each eligible student will receive?

UNH is following the CRRSA Act and the U.S. Department of Education guidance which require universities to prioritize students with exceptional need. The dollar amounts reflect the university meeting this federal expectation and the fixed amount available to distribute.

How do I receive my Emergency Grant?

  • Eligible students should complete the application as soon as possible. Eligible students will be notified via their UNH email account.
  • UNH strongly recommends that you set up direct deposit to receive the funds.
  • Eligible students should set up or confirm their direct deposit information in WEBCAT. Under the Billing tab, click on “Request Refund,” then select “Request Direct Deposit Refund to Student.” Direct deposits generally arrive in 4-5 business days. 
  • If a direct deposit record does not exist, funds will be mailed to the student’s permanent mailing address. Checks take approximately 2-3 weeks. To update your permanent mailing address email registrars.office@unh.edu from your UNH email account.

I am enrolled in an online program, am I eligible for the CRRSA Act Emergency Grant?

Yes. The CRRSA Act and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education state that students enrolled exclusively in online programs are eligible for emergency grants.

What happens if I do not need funds now, but I do have expenses later?

  • Eligible students should complete the application as soon as possible. Emergency Grants will be issued until funding runs out.
  • The CRRSA Act funds are intended to go to students with exceptional financial need or those who have unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is there a deadline to apply for an Emergency Grant?

No. However, eligible students should complete the application as soon as possible since Emergency Grants will be issued until funding runs out.

What type of expenses are covered by the Emergency Grant?

Any component of the student’s cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books/supplies, transportation and other miscellaneous) or unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic (including tuition, fees, housing, meals, healthcare and childcare). Examples include money spent for additional technology/course requirements, unanticipated travel, replacement of medications, and emergency childcare due to extended school closures.

If I receive an Emergency Grant, am I required to report how I used the grant funds?

No. The CRRSA Act Emergency Grant is intended to help students during this difficult time. Emergency Grants are required to be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books/supplies, transportation and other miscellaneous) or unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic (including tuition, fees, housing, meals, healthcare and childcare).

Do I have to repay an Emergency Grant?

No, the CRRSA Act Emergency Grant funds are designed to be a grant, not a loan.

Do I need to report financial aid or grants on my federal tax return?

Each financial award you receive from the federal government and other sources will have separate and unique tax consequences for your federal tax return. Visit the IRS website for assistance.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

  • Contact Financial Aid with questions about CRRSA Act fund eligibility
  • Contact Student Accounts with questions about receiving your Emergency Grant funds