CARES Act - HEERF & MSI Emergency Grants
The federal government has provided Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Fund resources for colleges to help address the immediate and urgent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and colleges.
The intent of these funds is to help support students whose lives and education have been impacted by the pandemic.
For the Summer and Fall 2022 semesters, these grants will range between $1,000 and $1,750, based on semester enrollment, academic progress status, and/or GPA. Additional details about student emergency grants through HEERF and MSI:
- Funds are limited, and applications will be processed in the order in which they are received on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To qualify for funding students must be enrolled in the semester for which they are requesting aid.
- Students are permitted to submit one application per semester.
- Award amounts vary depending on the individual student situation.
- HEERF/MSI emergency grants are not considered estimated financial assistance (EFA) for Federal Financial Aid, and will not negatively impact eligibility for other financial aid programs.
- A confirmation page will display once the application is successfully submitted. Students will receive email notifications to their YCCD email regarding application status (approved or denied) and the timeline for disbursement (disbursements follow the Pell payment dates on the payment schedule).
- Students may view the CARES Emergency Grant award amount in Self Service Financial Aid, MyAwards section.
- CARES Emergency Grant awards are disbursed via BankMobile, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. Students who have not completed their BankMobile account set up or have not selected a preferred refund method may do so by clicking here to access BankMobile's website.
- Disbursement dates for summer 2022 grants:
- 06/24/2022
- 07/01/2022
- 07/08/2022
- 07/22/2022
How to Apply
- Complete the CARES Grant Application form.
- Complete all application fields and submit. *Confirmation page will display when successfully submitted*
- Set up an account with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc., - click here to complete account setup.
Additional Resources
Students may also be eligible for other federal funds from the CARES Act, as part of its Assistance for American Workers and Families program.
You can also learn more information about all of the Financial Aid options that might be available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Consolidated Appropriations Act was passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2020. One aspect of the act was the continuation of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), originally passed last March. HEERF provides funds to institutions for emergency grants to students whose lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the HEERF Emergency Grants website to learn more.
We know that many students' financial needs extend beyond the current term, so we anticipate being able to provide additional resources to enrolled and qualifying students in future terms. However, this is determined each semester based on fund availability
Additionally, we offer the Student Emergency Fund program for acute student needs. If you are a student still facing an emergency, visit the Emergency Support page for additional resources.
The following are general eligibility criteria for HEERF & MSI funds:
- Students must be enrolled in classes in the term for which the funds are allocated.
- Additional funding is available for student who meet certain academic progress statuses.
- Additional funding is available for students who meet certain GPA requirements.
At this time, there is no requirement for a student to have completed a financial aid application.
HEERF/MSI emergency grant applicants will need to setup an account with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc., for disbursement. Visit https://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/ to complete account setup.
Yes, if a student is eligible for an emergency grant, then they will receive the money even if they have current financial holds or owe the campus fees or fines.
No. Emergency grants are not pro-rated based on the number of units enrolled. Additionally, all enrolled units are eligible regardless of degree applicability.
Yes. An application is required and is available in the "How To Apply" section above. This application is separate from and in addition to other financial aid applications.
Students will receive an email notification to their YCCD email confirming award approval.
HEERF & MSI awards amounts are accessible on Self Service Financial Aid in the MyAwards section once awarded.
Emergency grants will be disbursed to most students though BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc.,. If you have not yet set up your direct deposit or informed BankMobile how you would like to receive your funds, use the following directions to complete setup. If no refund preference is selected, receipt of funds may be delayed.
To select how you would like your funds disbursed:
- Visit Refundselection.com.
- Enter your Personal Code or choose to get an instant personal code.
- Choose your preferred delivery method.
HEERF & MSI grants generally disburse on the same days as Pell grant per the semester payment schedule after semester census. Census date information is available on the Academic Calendar.
Summer 2022 disbursement dates are:
- 06/17/2022
- 06/24/2022
- 07/01/2022
- 07/08/2022
- 07/22/2022
The grant should be used for academic-related expenses incurred due to COVID-19. Examples include expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and childcare.
For basic questions about your eligibility for HEERF emergency grants, contact your college financial aid office.