Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
CARES/CRRSA/ARP Act Funding FAQs
Pima Community College has been selected to distribute funds to students who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), also known as HEERF I, was signed into law on March 27, 2020. This relief package included Emergency Financial Aid Grants that were made available to students. These funds have been distributed to all eligible students.
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), also known as HEERF II, was signed into law on December 27, 2020. This relief package included Emergency Financial Aid Grants that were made available to students. These funds have been distributed to all eligible students.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP), this is also known as HEERF III, was signed into law on March 11, 2021. This relief package includes Emergency Financial Aid Grants that will be made available for students. These funds have been distributed to all eligible students.
How do I qualify for the Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) funds?
Students eligible for HEERF 1:
- U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen
- Social Security number
- Registration with Selective Service (if the student is male)
- High school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting
- FAFSA must be received by Pima Community College
The FAFSA is necessary for validation of criteria 1-4. Upon the student submitting the FAFSA, the application goes through several federal database checks to confirm the validity of the data. Pima Community College, as an open admissions institution, does not collect and validate some of these pieces of information.
Pima Community College has finished distributed these emergency funds to students.
Students eligible for HEERF 2:
- U.S. citizenship or national
- A citizen of the Freely Associated State: the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands
- A US permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen (someone who has entered the country under parolee or asylum status).
Pima Community College has finished distributed these emergency funds to students.
Students eligible for HEERF 3 (updated May 11, 2021):
- No student eligibility requirements in the law
How will I receive the HEERF funds?
Funds are distributed to you directly. Fastest and safest way for us to send you funds is for you to sign-up for ERefund. You may do this by going to your MyPima, MyAccountManager, in your Students tab. Otherwise a standard check will be mailed to you.
Who do I contact if I don’t receive my HEERF funds?
For additional information regarding the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds, please review the information in the COVID-19 resources webpage.
Am I eligible for more money from the HEERF?
The number of credits that you are enrolled for determines the amount you will receive.
- Non-credit courses = $400
- Less than half time (1-5 credits) = $400
- Half time (6-8 credits) = $600
- Three-Quarter Time (9-11 credits) = $800
- Full time (12 credits or more) = $1000
- Certain Clock Hour programs = $1000 (FT Students)
Will these funds be visible to me on my student account?
You may review your disbursement and refund information via MyPima, MyAccount Manager. The disbursement is not taxable and will not be reflected in your financial aid package.
Is there a list of things that I can or cannot use this money for?
You may use this money to assist you in any expenses you have that were caused due to the disruption you experienced from COVID-19.
Will this affect my financial aid?
These are federal emergency funds, they do not count as financial assistance. They do not count with or against your other financial aid, if you are receiving other forms of aid.
Can I use this for tuition and fees?
Unlike other sources of aid, these funds may not be used to pay any outstanding charges (tuition and/or fees) that you have at Pima, but you may choose to pay. It is at your own discretion.