Federal Emergency Relief Fund for DMACC Students

Everyone needs help sometimes.

Currently attending DMACC students may now apply for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, a new federal grant funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The federal program provides cash grants to students enrolled in financial aid eligible programs of study for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to the COVID-19 outbreak, including things like course materials, technology, internet, utilities and childcare.

We are currently not accepting new applications as the funding for federal emergency grants has been spent. We anticipate additional funding in the coming weeks, so check back often.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What can these emergency funds be used for?

The funds must be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student's cost of attendance, such as course materials, technology, internet, utilities, and child care).

Do I need to complete the FAFSA?

Yes. In order to apply for the grant at DMACC, you must be eligible for Federal Student Aid and have completed the FAFSA for the academic year for which you are applying.

How do I receive the funds?

If your application is approved, you will receive an e-mail sent to your DMACC e-mail address outlining the amount you were approved to receive. The funds will be delivered to you by the Student Accounts Department based on the option you selected for refunds.

Can I use the funds I receive to pay a bill I owe to DMACC?

Yes. Once you receive the funds you may use those funds to pay any bill you may owe to DMACC.

Can I receive the funds if I am enrolled in all online classes?

Yes. However, remember that your emergency need must be associated with expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

Why might my application be denied?

You failed to outline how your emergency need is associated with expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student's cost of attendance, such as course materials, technology, and child care). Other reasons for a denial include you have not completed the FAFSA, you are not eligible for Title IV financial aid, or you are not currently attending DMACC.

Do I need to provide documentation on my application?

No. Documentation is optional.

What is the maximum emergency award I may receive?

$2000. Student attending less than ½ time are eligible for no greater than $500. This allows DMACC to support as many students as possible.

I'm concurrently enrolled in high school, can I qualify for the emergency grant?

No.

I'm taking non-credit courses at DMACC, can I qualify for the emergency grant?

No.

Do DACA students qualify for the emergency grant?

No.

Does the emergency grant need to be repaid?

No.

Did DMACC sign an agreement to provide emergency grants to students?

Yes. DMACC signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to 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 to students. The agreement was signed on April 11th, 2020. DMACC was not provided access to any federal funds in order to provide emergency grants under the CARES act until April 21st, 2020. On that date the Department also released guidance that significantly altered the grant awarding process and further delayed the disbursement of funds to students.

How much funding will DMACC potentially receive for emergency grants to students?

The total amount of funds that DMACC may receive from the Department of Education pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $3,676,000. However, this amount may only be accessed if emergency grants have been provided to eligible students for eligible expenses. Not all students qualify, and not all expenses qualify. The funds must be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

How much in emergency financial aid grants has been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act?

As of January 19, 2021, DMACC has distributed $3,669,448 to students.

How many students may be eligible for this funding?

The estimated total number of students at DMACC eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus POTENTIALLY eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 14,303. However, remember the funds must be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. Not every student will have these associated expenses that are due to campus operations.

How many students have received emergency grant funds?

As of January 19, 2021, the total number of students who have received an emergency financial aid grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 2,760.

What method(s) are used by the DMACC to determine which students receive emergency financial aid grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act?

Students must apply in order to be considered for emergency financial aid grants available through the CARES Act. Within the application students are informed that the federal program only provides cash grants to students for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to the COVID-19 outbreak, including things like course materials and technology as well as food, housing, health care, and childcare. Student are informed to identify their current emergency expense that was caused by campus disruption caused by COVID-19. Students must provide a dollar amount for each expense.

DMACC will only consider applications from students that have completed the FAFSA and been offered Title IV (Federal) financial aid. While the Department of Education’s guidance does state that a FAFSA is not required, having one on file would be the only practicable way for DMACC to determine that a student is eligible to participate in the Title IV federal student aid programs and meets all applicable general student eligibility criteria in Section 484 of the Higher Education Act.

Where can I get additional instructions and guidance regarding the process?

The application for the emergency grants contains step-by-step guidance regarding how to apply. Once a student has applied, he or she will receive correspondence outlining their next steps. Notification of application approvals or denials is sent to students via their DMACC email address.

Where can I find additional information about the institutional portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds DMACC received?

The quarterly public reporting form for the institutional portion is available here.