Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
Posted July 13, 2021
I have heard about the emergency financial aid grants that are included in the American Rescue Plan Act. How do I seek those funds?
Benedictine did secure funds that will go directly to students as direct cash grants. We will begin accepting applications for emergency financial aid grants immediately and will review them on a rolling basis. Please understand this is a selective process as the funds are limited.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any individual who is or was enrolled at Benedictine College on or after March 13, 2020 are eligible regardless of whether they completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or are eligible for Title IV.
When do I apply for the Emergency Relief Grant?
You must apply now or in the near future to be considered for these funds.
Am I guaranteed to receive the grant if I apply?
No, this program has limited funding and we cannot assure you that you will be approved.
How much should I request?
We ask that you provide an amount that in good faith will support you in addressing your financial circumstances.
How is Benedictine deciding who is approved?
Per the federal recommendation, Benedictine College will “prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants or are undergraduates with extraordinary financial circumstances in awarding emergency financial aid grants to students.”
Further, consideration will be given to those who “have faced significant unexpected expenses, such as the loss of employment (either for themselves or their families), reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.
How will I know if my application is approved or denied?
We will alert you via your Benedictine email account of the approval or denial. We will begin reviewing applications on Monday, August 2, 2021.
If my application is approved when will I receive the grant?
We will notify you of the outcome of your application within 7-14. If your application is approved, your emergency financial aid grant will be issued approximately 14 days after approval.
The approved applicants will have the option to receive the funds as a direct cash grant or as a credit for your fall 2021 charges. Those students will be required to notify us of your preferred option as we are unable to automatically apply these funds to a student billing account.
If my application is approved, how can I use these funds?
Emergency financial aid grants may be used for any component of your costs related to attending Benedictine College (tuition, food, housing, health care or child care) or for costs that arose due to COVID-19.
Do I have to submit receipts to Benedictine after I use these funds?
No, you do not need to submit receipts for these expenses.
If my application is denied, can I appeal this decision?
No, all application decisions will be final.
Is this a loan?
No, this is a direct cash grant that will not require repayment.
Can Benedictine simply apply this as a credit toward my student bill?
Yes, the approved applicants will have the option to receive the funds as a direct cash grant or as a credit for your fall 2021 charges. Those students will be required to notify us of your preferred option as we are unable to automatically apply these funds to a student billing account.
Once again, you must apply to secure these funds.
Are the emergency financial aid grants considered taxable income?
No, emergency financial aid grants are not included in the student’s gross income.
