NFC Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Student Emergency Funds

Application

As a North Florida College student, you may be eligible for an emergency financial aid grant from the Higher Education Emergency Funds program that is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act.

What is the CARES Act Student Emergency Funds grant program?

Under the federal CARES Act, The Higher Education Emergency Funds program provides funds to colleges and universities to award emergency financial aid grants to students who experiences a financial hardship as a result of disruption due to COVID-19.

The following is a list of expenses that can be considered for emergency grant funds if they were incurred in relation to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.

  • Housing
  • Food
  • Childcare
  • Technology (assistance with Wi-Fi access or purchasing computer hardware or software)
  • Course materials

The emergency grant funds are not intended to be used to replace a loss of income or to pay for student expenses that are not directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Emergency grant funds are limited and will be disbursed to eligible students based on order of application until all CARES Act funds are depleted.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to receive CARES Act Student Emergency Funds, students must meet the eligibility criteria as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

  1. Enrolled in Spring Term 2020 semester classes as of March 13, 2020 or registered for Summer Term 2020 classes.
  2. Be a US Citizen or eligible noncitizen
  3. Have a valid social security number
  4. Registered with Selective Service (if the student is male)
  5. Have a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting (must not have been enrolled in high school on March 13, 2020).
  6. Be making satisfactory academic progress
  7. Be working on an approved degree or certificate
  8. Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment of a federal grant
  9. Have a FAFSA on file or complete the FAFSA application and be eligible to receive Title IV financial aid

Students who were exclusively enrolled in an online program on or before March 13, 2020 are not eligible for the emergency financial aid grants.

High school dual enrollment students are not eligible for the emergency financial aid grants.

Students who are enrolled in another college or university where they could also be receiving CARES Act funds are not eligible for the emergency financial aid grants.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the NFC CARES Act Student Emergency Funds Application online.

You must be signed into your NFC student account to access the online application, otherwise you will be prompted to sign into your account to proceed with the application process.

Note: Only NFC students meeting specified criteria will be eligible for funding.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Yes, the deadline to apply is June 15, 2020. The sooner students apply the more likely they are to receive funds. Funds will be disbursed to eligible students based on order of application until all CARES Act funds are depleted.

Do I need to file a 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

In order to be eligible, students must already have a FAFSA on file or complete the FAFSA application and be eligible to receive Title IV financial aid. If you do not have a FAFSA application on file, please visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete the 2019-2020 FAFSA application. Students who submit an NFC CARES Act emergency funds Application without a FAFSA on file will receive communication with more information via their NFC email account.

How many times can I apply?

Currently, a student may submit one application for an emergency grant. If funding from the CARES Act remains available, students will be notified and will be able to reapply for additional grant assistance at that time.

How much will I receive?

Available student award amounts vary by student and will be based on each student’s circumstances and information collected from the student’s FAFSA application.

When will I know the results?

We anticipate a large volume of applications and will work to process submissions as quickly as possible. Once your application is processed and your eligibility is verified, funds will be disbursed within 14 business days.

How do students receive the money?

Students will receive a check mailed to the address on file.

Do the funds need to be repaid?

No, this is not a loan. The funds are given to students in need and do not need to be repaid.

Can this funding reduce my financial aid?

No, these funds are exempt from the maximum financial aid amount students receive.

I graduate this semester. Can I still receive assistance?

Yes. Students who apply and meet all eligibility criteria will be awarded funds in order of application until all CARES Act funds are depleted regardless of degree completion status.

What if I owe NFC for tuition or other expenses?

The full amount of the emergency grant funds will be given directly to the student and will not pay outstanding balances owed to NFC. Any outstanding balanced owed to NFC will remain the responsibility of the student.

Who can I contact for more information?

For questions related to CARES Act Student Emergency Funds, please contact financialaid@nfc.edu or call (850) 973-1621.