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Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) III Fund Information 2022-2023

As required in the U.S. Department of Education May 6, 2020 Electronic Announcement, August 31, 2020 Federal Register notice, and May 13, 2021 Federal Register notice, the University of Georgia is providing the following information:

  • The American Rescue Plan (ARP) authorized the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) to allocate formula grant funds to postsecondary education institutions for the purpose of addressing needs related to coronavirus. The University of Georgia submitted to ED the Certification and Agreement (CFDA 84.425E) for the Student Aid Portion pursuant to Section 2003 (a)(1) of the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
    Section 2003(7) of the ARP requires higher education institutions to provide at least the same amount of funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116–136). Under section 2003 (a)(1) of the ARP, Recipient must make financial aid grants to students (including students exclusively enrolled in distance education), which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
    According to the allocation formula, the University of Georgia will receive $63,500,537 (PDF). As required, the University of Georgia will provide at least the same amount of funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116–136) to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants (called “HEER III Fund Grants” at UGA) to students. On May 21, 2021, the University received $31,775,893 of its allocation to administer HEER III Fund Grants under Section 2003 of the ARP.
  • The total amount of funds the University of Georgia will receive and use for paying such HEER III Fund Grants is $31,775,893.
  • The total amount of HEER III Fund Grants distributed to students under Section 2003 (a)(1) of the ARP as of December 31, 2022 is $31,775,893.
  • The estimated number of students at the institution enrolled for at least one credit in degree programs who meet eligibility criteria and are thus eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants under Section 2003 of the ARP is 24,997.
  • The total unduplicated number of students who received a HEER III Fund Grant Fall 2022 is 8,041.
    • On September 19, 2022, 8,040 students received $6,930,399.60.
    • On November 17, 2022 1 student received $58.40.
  • To determine which students received HEER III Fund Grants and the amount they would receive under Section 2003 (a)(1) of the ARP, the University of Georgia applied the following guidance and policies:
    • The American Rescue Plan established the HEER III Fund and authorized monies which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care. Priority must be given to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. If a student had a valid and complete 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Financial Aid by September 16, 2022, the student was considered for a HEER III Grant. Undergraduate (full- and part-time), graduate, and professional students who are maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are eligible for the HEER III Fund including those in online-only programs, except dual enrolled (DE), Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and international students.
    • The HEER III Fund Grants were awarded to students enrolled in the Fall 2022 semesters who met the above described eligibility criteria; the HEER III Fund Grant amount is $861.99 and were disbursed beginning September 19, 2022.   There is no appeal process for Fall 2022.
    • In recognition of the U.S. Department of Education guidance (PDF)  to prioritize HEER III Funds to students with exceptional financial need, UGA awarded funds to students who had EFCs in Federal Pell Grant range.
    • If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at [email protected].
  • Direct communications via email were sent to each student regarding eligibility for HEER III Fund Grants.The Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (a)(1) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3), if applicable for the period ending 9/30/2021 can be found here (PDF). The report for the period ending 12/30/2021 can be found here (PDF). The report for the period ending 3/31/2022 can be found here (PDF). The report for the period ending 6/30/2022 can be found here (PDF). The report for the period ending 9/30/2022 can be found here (PDF). The report for the period ending 12/31/2022 can be found here (PDF). The 12/31/2022 report is the final HEER III report as all funds have been spent.

Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) III Fund Information 2021-2022

As required in the U.S. Department of Education May 6, 2020 Electronic Announcement, August 31, 2020 Federal Register notice, and May 13, 2021 Federal Register notice, the University of Georgia is providing the following information:

  • The American Rescue Plan (ARP) authorized the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) to allocate formula grant funds to postsecondary education institutions for the purpose of addressing needs related to coronavirus. The University of Georgia submitted to ED the Certification and Agreement (CFDA 84.425E) for the Student Aid Portion pursuant to Section 2003 (a)(1) of the American Rescue Plan (ARP).
    Section 2003(7) of the ARP requires higher education institutions to provide at least the same amount of funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116–136). Under section 2003 (a)(1) of the ARP, Recipient must make financial aid grants to students (including students exclusively enrolled in distance education), which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
    According to the allocation formula, the University of Georgia will receive $63,500,537 (PDF). As required, the University of Georgia will provide at least the same amount of funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116–136) to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants (called “HEER III Fund Grants” at UGA) to students. On May 21, 2021, the University received $31,775,893 of its allocation to administer HEER III Fund Grants under Section 2003 of the ARP.
  • The total amount of funds the University of Georgia will receive and use for paying such HEER III Fund Grants is $31,775,893.
  • The total amount of HEER III Fund Grants distributed to students under Section 2003 (a)(1) of the ARP as of June 30, 2022 is $24,844,435.
  • The estimated number of students at the institution enrolled for at least one credit in degree programs who meet eligibility criteria and are thus eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants under Section 2003 of the ARP is 26,757.
  • The total unduplicated number of students who received a HEER III Fund Grant thus far is 11,802.
    • On June 18, 2021, the first distribution payment began being made for 646 students.
    • On August 10, 2021, the second distribution payment began being made for 9,248 students.
    • On August 25, 2021 the third distribution payment began being made for 816 students.
    • On October 7, 2021 the fourth distribution payment began being made for 74 students with Pell eligible EFC’s as determined by the FAFSA and who appealed for funds to cover added cost of attendance expenses for approved experiential learning programs.
    • On November 19, 2021 the fifth and final distribution for Fall semester payments began being made to 614 students who had successfully approved appeals.
    • On January 21, 2022 the first distribution payment began being made for 10,237 students.
    • On March 11, 2022 the second distribution payment began being made for 419 students who had successfully approved appeals.
    • On March 14, 2022 the third and final distribution for Spring semester began being made for 120 students with Pell eligible EFC’s as determined by the FAFSA and who appealed for funds to cover added cost of attendance expenses for approved experiential learning programs.
  • To determine which students received HEER III Fund Grants and the amount they would receive under Section 2003 (a)(1) of the ARP, the University of Georgia applied the following guidance and policies:
    • The American Rescue Plan established the HEER III Fund and authorized monies which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care. Priority must be given to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. If a student had a valid and complete 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the Office of Student Financial Aid by August 24, 2021 for Fall semester and January 18, 2022 for Spring semester, the student was considered for a HEER III Grant. Undergraduate (full- and part-time), graduate, and professional students who are maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are eligible for the HEER III Fund including those in online-only programs, except dual enrolled (DE), Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and international students.
    • The HEER III Fund Grants were awarded to students enrolled in the Fall 2021 and/or Spring 2022 semesters who met the above described eligibility criteria; the HEER III Fund Grant amounts range between $750 and $1,250 and were disbursed beginning August 10, 2021 for Fall semester and January 21, 2022 for Spring semester. The funds distributed on June 18, 2021 were for students enrolled in Summer 2021 and who qualified for HEER II funding under the CRRSAA (see below). The maximum any one student received is $2,250. A pool of funds has been set aside for appeals. The appeal process for 2021-2022 is closed.
    • In recognition of the U.S. Department of Education guidance (PDF) to prioritize HEER III Funds to students with exceptional financial need, UGA based the amount of each HEER III Fund Grant on a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA, with maximum funding going to students who had EFCs in Federal Pell Grant range.
      • Eligible students with demonstrated EFC between 0 and 5,846 received $1,250 in HEER III Funds for the Fall and/or Spring payment.
      • Eligible students with demonstrated need between 5,847 and 9,999 received $750 in HEER III Funds for the Fall and/or Spring payment.
    • Additionally, students who, per the FAFSA, are homeless, orphaned, formerly ward of the court or in foster care, an emancipated minor, or were in a legal guardianship qualified for an additional $500.
    • If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at [email protected].
  • Direct communications via email were sent to each student regarding eligibility for HEER III Fund Grants.The Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III (a)(1) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3), if applicable for the period ending 9/30/2021 can be found here (PDF). The report for the period ending 12/30/2021 can be found here (PDF). The report for the period ending 3/31/2022 can be found here (PDF). The report for the period ending 6/30/2022 can be found here (PDF).

Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) II Fund Information

As required in the U.S. Department of Education May 6, 2020 Electronic Announcement, August 31, 2020 Federal Register notice, and May 13, 2021 Federal Register notice, the University of Georgia is providing the following information:

  • The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) authorized the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) to allocate formula grant funds to postsecondary education institutions for the purpose of addressing needs related to coronavirus. The University of Georgia submitted to ED the Certification and Agreement (CFDA 84.425E) for the Student Aid Portion pursuant to section 314(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA).
    Section 314(d)(5) of the CRRSAA requires higher education institutions to provide at least the same amount of funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116–136). Under section 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA, Recipient must make financial aid grants to students (including students exclusively enrolled in distance education), which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
    According to the allocation formula, the University of Georgia is scheduled to receive $35,659,597 (PDF). As required, the University of Georgia will provide at least the same amount of funding in financial aid grants to students as was required to be provided under sections 18004(a)(1) and (c) of division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116–136) to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants (called “HEER II Fund Grants” at UGA) to students. On February 17, 2021, the University received $11,852,065 of its allocation to administer HEER II Fund Grants under Section 314(d)(5) of the CRRSAA.
  • The total amount of funds the University of Georgia received and used for paying such HEER II Fund Grants is $11,852,065.
  • The total amount of HEER II Fund Grants distributed to students under Section 314(d)(5) of the CRRSAA was reported in May 2021 after reporting requirements were updated effective May 11, 2021 to require HEER II Fund Grants quarterly reporting to be posted. This section was updated by June 30, 2021. UGA has expended the entirety of its student HEER II Fund Grant funding as of June 30, 2021; therefore this June 30, 2021 report will be the final quarterly report posted.
  • The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive HEER II Fund Grants to students under Section 314(d)(5) of the CRRSAA is 38,241. This number of students had established eligibility for funding under Section 314(d)(5) of the CRRSAA. In accordance with guidance from ED, eligibility has been determined by the University of Georgia based on students’ filings of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • The total number of students who received a HEER II Fund Grant was 10,911.
    • On February 16, 2021, the first distribution payment began being made for 10,288 students.
    • On June 15, 2021, the second distribution payment began being made for 4,680 students.
    • On March 11, 2021, payments to students who successfully appealed began being made to 770 students.
  • To determine which students received HEER II Fund Grants and the amount they would receive under Section 314(d)(5) of the CRRSAA, the University of Georgia applied the following guidance and policies:
    • The CRRSAA established the HEER II Fund and authorized monies which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care. Pursuant to guidance from ED, only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, may receive HEER II Fund Grants. If a student had a valid 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the University of Georgia considered the student to have demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 and thus be eligible for HEER II Fund Grants, as long as all supporting documentation for eligibility was received and all other eligibility criteria under Section 484 were met. Undergraduate (full- and part-time), graduate, and professional students are eligible for the HEER II Fund including those in online-only programs, except dual enrolled (DE), Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and international students.
    • The HEER II Fund Grants were awarded to students enrolled in the Spring 2021 semester who met the above described eligibility criteria; the HEER II Fund Grant amounts range between $500 and $1,000 and were disbursed beginning February 16, 2021 In addition, students who were enrolled for Spring 2021 and also were enrolled in the Summer 2021 term (as of the date of eligibility determination) will receive an additional HEER II Fund Grant ranging between $300 and $500. Between the two payments (Spring and Summer), the maximum any one student received is $1,500. A pool of funds was set aside for appeals from students with exceptional need as detailed below.
    • In recognition of the U.S. Department of Education guidance (PDF) to prioritize HEER II Funds to students with the greatest financial need, UGA based the amount of each HEER III Fund Grant on a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA, with maximum funding going to students who had EFCs in Federal Pell Grant range.
  • Eligible students with demonstrated EFC between 0 and 5,711 received $1,000 in HEER II Funds for the Spring payment and an additional $500 if also enrolled in Summer as of June 8, 2021.
  • Eligible students with demonstrated need between 5,712 and 10,000 received $500 in HEER II Funds for the Spring payment and an additional $300 if also enrolled in Summer as of June 8, 2021.
  • Students with exceptional circumstances were able to appeal to have their circumstances and costs considered for a HEER II Fund Grant or additional funding of their HEER II Fund Grant. Including any amount received as a result of an appeal, the maximum a student may receive is $1,500.
  • The priority deadline to appeal was February 26, 2021 for the HEER II Fund Appeals Committee to review and make decisions by the first week of March.  The appeal committee reviewed appeals beginning March 11, 2021 from eligible appeal applicants with a valid FAFSA on file.  Requests were reviewed and awarded in the order in which they were received until the Appeal funds were exhausted.
  • If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at [email protected].
  • Instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the University of Georgia to students concerning the HEER II Fund Grants can be found on the COVID-19 section of the OSFA site. In addition, direct communications via email were sent to each student regarding eligibility for HEER II Fund Grants.

Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) Fund Information

As required in the U.S. Department of Education May 6, 2020 Electronic Announcement, the University of Georgia is providing the following information:

  • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act (Pub. L. 116-136) authorized the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) to allocate formula grant funds to postsecondary education institutions for the purpose of addressing needs related to coronavirus. The University of Georgia submitted to ED the Certification and Agreement for an Award under Section 18004(a)(2) of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.The CARES Act established the allocation formula for the Higher Education Emergency Relief (“HEER”) Fund as the relative share of full-time equivalent enrollment of Federal Pell Grants recipients (75 percent of the allocation) and the relative share of full-time equivalent enrollment of students who were not Federal Pell Grant recipients (25 percent of the allocation). The CARES Act specifically excluded from the allocation formula students who, at the time of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus, were enrolled in programs of study offered exclusively online.According to the allocation formula, the University of Georgia is scheduled to receive $23,704,129 (PDF). As required, the University of Georgia will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants (called “HEER Fund Grants” at UGA) to students. On April 21, 2020, the University received 50 percent ($11,852,065) of its allocation to administer HEER Fund Grants under the CARES Act.
  • The total amount of funds the University of Georgia received and used for paying such HEER Fund Grants is $11,852,065.
  • The total amount of HEER Fund Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act was reported and updated 30 days after the university received the funds. This section was updated by May 20, 2020, and then quarterly thereafter. UGA has expended the entirety of its student HEER Fund Grant funding as of September 30,2020;  therefore this September 30, 2020 report will be the final quarterly report posted.
  • The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive HEER Fund Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. Of all students who were enrolled for the Spring 2020 semester when it was disrupted due to the coronavirus, 23,552 had established eligibility for funding under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. In accordance with guidance from ED, eligibility has been determined by the University of Georgia based on students’ filings of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • The total number of students who received a HEER Fund Grant was 13,955.
    • On May 19, 2020, the first distribution payment began being made for 13,513 students.
    • On June 15, 2020, the second distribution payment began being made for 5,809 students.
    • On June 26, 2020, payments to students who successfully appealed began being made to 836 students.
    • On July 27, 2020, payments to students who received May/June supplemental amounts, submitted emergency aid applications, submitted late FAFSAs, and/or enrolled in summer II only courses began being made to 7,849 students.
  • To determine which students received HEER Fund Grants and the amount they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act, the University of Georgia applied the following guidance and policies:
    • The CARES Act established the HEER Fund and authorized monies to aid in expenses related to the campus disruptions caused by COVID-19. Pursuant to guidance from ED, only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, may receive HEER Fund Grants. If a student had a valid 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the University of Georgia considered the student to have demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 and thus be eligible for HEER Fund Grants, as long as all supporting documentation for eligibility was received and all other eligibility criteria under Section 484 were met. The CARES Act excluded from HEER Fund eligibility those students who were enrolled in online programs of study prior to the disruptions. Pursuant to the CARES Act and guidance from ED,  HEER Fund Grants were also not available to those who were ineligible to receive federal financial aid, such as international students, dual enrollment students, students who were not making satisfactory academic progress, had an unresolved “flag” on their FAFSA results, or were in default on a federal student loan, for example. Students participating in the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) were also excluded from automatic eligibility.
    • The HEER Fund Grants were awarded to students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester who met the above described eligibility criteria; the HEER Fund Grant amounts range between $200 and $1,000 and were disbursed beginning May 19, 2020. In addition, students who were enrolled for Spring 2020 and also were enrolled in the Summer 2020 term (as of June 12, 2020, the date of eligibility determination) received an additional HEER Fund Grant ranging between $125 and $500. The Summer payment was disbursed beginning June 15, 2020. Between the two payments (Spring and Summer), the maximum any one student received is $1,500. A pool of funds was set aside for appeals from students with exceptional need as detailed below.
    • In recognition of the U.S. Department of Education guidance (PDF) to prioritize HEER Funds to students with the greatest financial need, UGA based the amount of each HEER Fund Grant on a student’s demonstrated financial need, with maximum funding going to students who received Federal Pell Grants. The demonstrated financial need for HEER Fund purposes uses the student’s established Spring 2020 Cost of Attendance minus the Spring 2020 portion of the Expected Family Contribution (calculated from FAFSA data) minus the Spring 2020 portion of the student’s annual Federal Direct Student Loan eligibility (not amounts accepted or borrowed, but the eligible amount that could be borrowed). Any resulting amount was the demonstrated financial need for HEER Fund purposes.
      • Eligible students with demonstrated financial need between $1 and $1,999 received $200 in HEER Funds for the Spring payment and an additional $125 if also enrolled in Summer as of June 12, 2020.
      • Eligible students with demonstrated need between $2,000 and $3,999 received $300 in HEER Funds for the Spring payment and an additional $150 if also enrolled in Summer as of June 12, 2020.
      • Eligible students with demonstrated need of $4,000 or more received $400 in HEER Funds for Spring payment and an additional $200 if also enrolled in Summer as of June 12, 2020.
      • Eligible students receiving Federal Pell Grants, regardless of the amount of demonstrated financial need, received $1,000 in HEER Funds for the Spring payment and an additional $500 if also enrolled in Summer as of June 12, 2020.
    • Students with exceptional circumstances were able to appeal to have their circumstances and costs considered for a HEER Fund Grant or additional funding of their HEER Fund Grant. Including any amount received as a result of an appeal, the maximum a student receive was $1,500.
    • The deadline to appeal was June 15, 2020 for the HEER Fund Appeals Committee to review and make decisions by the end of June. The appeal committee reviewed appeals beginning June 22, 2020 from eligible appeal applicants with a valid FAFSA on file. Requests were reviewed and awarded in the order in which they were received until the Appeal funds were exhausted. HEER funds are exhausted and no further applications are being accepted.
    • If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at [email protected].
  • Instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the University of Georgia to students concerning the HEER Fund Grants can be found on the COVID-19 section of the OSFA site. In addition, direct communications via email were sent to each student regarding eligibility for HEER Fund Grants.

Information on the Institutional Portion of HEER Funding

Information related to the expenditure of the Institutional Portion of HEER Funding can be found on the Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reports. The September 20, 2021 report can be found here, (PDF) and the report for the period ending 12/30/2021 can be found here (PDF). The final HEERF I report can be found here (September 30th, 2020) (PDF). The final HEER II report can be found here (June 30th, 2021) (PDF).

Emergency Aid (not part of HEER Fund)

Where can I apply for emergency resources for expenses incurred due to COVID-19?

First check with the Office of Student Financial Aid to ensure you have exhausted all available resources. If you have and still need emergency assistance, undergraduate students can apply through the UGA Student Emergency Fund here, and graduate students can apply through the UGA Graduate Student Emergency Fund here.

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