The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress
and signed into law on March 27, 2020 is intended to provide economic relief for individuals
impacted by the pandemic.
Under CARES, the U.S. Department of Education was authorized to provide funding to
institutions of higher education to award in the form of emergency financial aid grants
to students. These funds must be used by students to help cover expenses related to
the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, including eligible expenses
under a student’s cost of attendance such as: food, housing, course materials, technology,
health care and child care. In keeping with federal guidance, Coahoma Community College
is prioritizing students with the greatest financial need.
Required reporting
All institutions receiving CARES Act funding are required to complete multiple reports.
Who is eligible to receive funds under the CARES Act?
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 (HEA), may receive
emergency financial aid grants. Students must be enrolled at Coahoma Community College.
This includes but is not limited to the following characteristics:
- Degree-seeking
- Valid Social Security number
- Registered for Selective Service (if required by law)
- U.S. citizen or an authorized non-citizen
- Making Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Not in default on a federal loan
What are eligible expenses for requesting an emergency financial aid grant through
the CARES Act?
Emergency financial aid grants to students are for expenses related to the disruption
of campus operations due to the coronavirus including eligible expenses under a student’s
cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care,
and child care.
Examples of campus disruption expenses include:
- Purchases related to technology for online courses
- Additional course materials
- Unexpected/extra travel costs
- Emergency or increased costs of child care
- Purchases of meals that were previously provided on-campus
- Replacement of medications
- Rent you incurred to relocate away from campus
Examples of expenses that are not considered as campus disruption expenses:
- Paying the same amount for rent, food, internet services and child care expenses as
you were previously paying, even if you are in a different location. No new expenses
have been incurred.
- Replacing wages from the loss of a job for you or your family is not an expense that
is reimbursable since this is a change in your financial need and not an incurred
expense.
Are supporting documents, such as receipts, required to receive funds?
Supporting documentation is not required when submitting the application for eligible
expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials,
technology, health care, and child care. However, the Coahoma Community College Office
of Financial Aid may require additional information or documentation to substantiate
your request. Students are required to certify that the information they submit is
true and complete.
Why am I being asked to complete a form or application?
It is necessary for the Coahoma Community College Office of Financial Aid to confirm
information before awarding the CARES Act monies to incoming students. Only Title
IV eligible students who converted from on-ground to online classes due to campus
closings were eligible to be automatically awarded.
How much will I receive when my application is processed?
In keeping with guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, Coahoma Community
College is prioritizing students with the greatest financial need. Award amounts may
differ based on information given on the application, student financial need, and
available funding.
Automatic Awards were made Federal Funding credit hour rules for the following categories:
- Less than Half-Time
- Half-Time
- Three-Quarter Time
- Full-Time
How is financial need assessed for emergency financial aid grants to students under
the CARES Act?
Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as determined from information submitted in the
FAFSA and limits by category of expense as well as overall maximum amounts are considered
for the assessment of a student’s financial need.
Are these funds taxable?
These funds are not taxable.
Can I edit or resubmit my application?
No. Applications are limited to one submission per student per academic term.
Will I have to pay back the funds?
The funds are awarded as a grant which do not have to be repaid and are not considered
a loan. Repayment would be required if false or misleading information is provided
resulting in emergency aid being issued under false or fraudulent pretenses.
How long will it take to receive funds?
Funds will be available dependent upon verification of data and assessment of need,
and within 5 to 10 business days of the application due date for students who have
previously completed the Coahoma Community College Financial Aid process.
Why do I see the funds in myCCC under My Financial Aid Awards, but not in My Student
Account?
In keeping with guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, CARES Act awards to
students cannot be used by the institution to pay student balances. Awards must be
disbursed directly to the student.
Why do I have to file a 2019-2020 and/or 2020-2021 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal
Student Aid)?
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 (HEA), may receive
emergency financial aid grants. Coahoma Community College is using the 2019-2020 and/or
the 2020/2021 FAFSA to determine eligibility of a student to participate in Title
IV programs.
How long will it take for my application to be processed after I submit a FAFSA?
The Coahoma Community College Office of Financial Aid should receive your information
with 5 to 10 business days after your successful submission of the FAFSA. Your application
will be reviewed once eligibility per the FAFSA is determined.
I have not qualified for financial aid in the past based on my FAFSA. Should I apply
for these funds?
Even if you were previously not eligible for other federal financial assistance, you
may be eligible for an emergency financial aid grant under the CARES Act and should
file a FAFSA as soon as possible.
Can I qualify for CARES Act funding even if my income was too high to qualify for
other types of financial aid?
Yes, you may still qualify for CARES Act funds even if your income was too high to
qualify for other types of aid.
How can I get an answer to a question not covered by these FAQs?
For answers to questions not covered by these FAQs, please email financialaid@coahomacc.edu from your tigermail account.