HEERF II (CRRSAA)

NOTICE!

This government relief program is no longer available

HEERF II (CRRSAA)

On December 27, 2020, the President signed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) (P.L. 116-260). This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education (Department) approximately $22.7 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the HEERF.

This law has some similarities—as well as important differences—from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (P.L. 116–136) that was enacted on March 27, 2020. These FAQs provide an overview of those similarities and differences; describe the flexibilities for institutions that received grants under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act (“Student Aid Portion” and “Institutional Portion,” CFDAs 84.425E and 84.425F, respectively); and describe the differences between the funds allocated under that section and those under section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSAA. The grant programs authorized under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act and under section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSAA are referred to below as the “(a)(1) programs” and their funds as “(a)(1) funds.” 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 included additional COVID-19 relief through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSAA) Act. This new COVID stimulus bill included $23 billion for higher education institutions and students, using the same Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) model established in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Laredo College is pleased to announce that it has received a funding allocation through Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II) created under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). Laredo College has received $4.4 million in CRRSAA funds to provide financial aid grants for students.

HEERF II emergency aid may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as tuition, housing, food, health care (including mental health care) or childcare.

The HEERF II (CRRSAA) monies will be distributed to students that meet certain requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. Unlike CARES Act, the CRRSAA requires that Laredo College prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Federal Pell Grants, SEOG in awarding (HEERF II) grants to students; beyond PELL eligibility such as loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity. These grants will be used to assist Title IV and Non-Title IV eligible students due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

*CRRSAA and ARP emergency funds under guidance published by the Department of Education to provide clarity regarding existing requirements-May 11, 2021, allowed institutions to award emergency funds to undocumented, DACA, and international students. Under the new Biden Administration, all students are eligible to HEERF funds including students enrolled at an eligible institution on or after March 13, 2020.  HEERF I, II and III can be paid retroactively for cost incurred on or after March 13, 2020.

Criteria for HEERF II (CRRSAA) Funding  
Financial Hardship Allowable Expenses  
Laredo College Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Report  
Q&A