What is the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?
The CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus as stipulated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act, which was signed into law March 27, 2020.
Lackawanna College received CARES Act funding and will distribute it as emergency financial grants to eligible students by prioritizing need while ensuring the funds are distributed as widely as possible. This grant is separate from additional financial aid you may receive from Lackawanna College.
Who is eligible for the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?
Students who meet all criteria below are eligible for the grant:
- Working towards a degree or certificate at Lackawanna College and eligible for Title IV funding;
- Were enrolled at Lackawanna College in at least one on-ground/in-person course as of Monday, March 23, 2020, even if that course moved to an online format due to the pandemic;
- Have a valid 2019-2020 FAFSA on file with Lackawanna College Financial Aid Office.
Unfortunately, per the U.S. Department of Education, DACA, undocumented, or international students, and students enrolled exclusively in online courses are not eligible to receive CARES Act funding.
For additional information, please see Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements.
How much will eligible students receive in the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?
Each eligible residential and commuter student will receive a payment of $545 to cover their eligible expenses resulting from the disruption of campus operations. If an eligible student can substantiate additional costs associated with the disruption of campus activities due to the coronavirus, the student may submit a request for additional funds through an application process.
What types of expenses can eligible students cover with funds from the CARES Act emergency fund?
The emergency funds must be used to cover basic needs students incurred due to the disruption of college campus operations due to coronavirus such as:
- Food
- Housing
- Course materials
- Technology-related expenses (such as having to buy a computer when courses
- were moved online)
- Health care
- Child care
- Transportation (such as having to fly home because classes were canceled)
The CARES Act stipulates that the emergency funds cannot be used to replace a loss of income or to pay for student expenses that are not directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
How does an eligible student apply for additional emergency funds?
Students must complete Lackawanna College’s application for a CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant to be considered for any additional funds above the $545 per student grant.
Because the amount of the CARES Act funding is limited, the College cannot guarantee additional funding to any student, but each application received will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted. Students must be able to substantiate their need for additional funding. The College reserves the right to use its discretion in evaluating the applications and determining the amount of each award, which may include establishing a maximum amount.
When will eligible students receive the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?
The distribution of funds to eligible students will begin the week of May 18, 2020. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have questions about the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant, please contact the College’s CARES Act Relief Fund Task Force at EmergencyFund@lackawanna.edu
How will eligible students receive CARE Act funds?
Eligible students will receive funds via check mailed to the student’s last known address on file at Lackawanna College. To ensure timely delivery of your funds, please follow the directions to ensure your address is correct on the Portal.
Do I need to report CARES Act grants on my federal tax return?
No, per guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant is not to be included as income on your federal tax return. Look at additional guidance from the IRS.