CARES Act Student Emergency Aid Funding

Current degree-seeking students enrolled at least half time in spring who are eligible to apply for federal Title IV financial aid are eligible to apply for CARES Act funds. If a student who meets the spring qualifications requests funding for fall 2020, they must also enroll half time.

No.  Because you are not able to apply for federal Title IV financial aid, you are not eligible.

Eligible students may apply online beginning April 27, 2020, until all funds are exhausted.

Eligible expenses for CARES Act funding include, but are not necessarily limited to, medical, food, housing, utilities, technology expenses, relocation costs to return home, unexpected childcare, course materials, and other unexpected expenses included in the student’s cost of attendance.

Award amounts vary by student and are unique to each student’s circumstances.

We encourage all students in need who did not receive an automatic award to fill out the application and describe the funding they need to successfully pursue their studies.

We anticipate a large volume of applications and will work to process submissions as quickly as possible. Our goal is to provide funding decisions as soon as possible, but no later than 7-10 business days depending upon the sufficiency of your application and required documentation.

Documentation is dependent upon the circumstances of the student applying and will be outlined in the application.

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your funding. Designate your bank account in Student Self-Service . Follow the instructions below to set up eDeposit in your Student Self-Service account:

1. Go to my.usf.edu
2. Sign in using your USF NetID & Password
3. Go into the Student Self-Service website
4. Select “Tuition & Fees” on the “Student” tab
5. Select “Subscribe to eDeposit”

If you are awarded funds, it will take approximately 24-48 business hours from your notification date for the funds to be deposited into your bank account. Some banks make take longer to process payments.

If you are not able to set up a direct deposit account, you be mailed a paper check to the local mailing address on record with the university. Be advised that this method can take between 1-2 weeks

If you are graduating in fall 2020, you may submit an application to be considered for funding as long as you are enrolled half time in both spring 2020 and fall 2020 semesters.

Every application will be evaluated individually, and the amount granted will be based on the documentation submitted and funding available.

You can submit another application for assistance, but only after your initial application has been processed.

Eligible students may apply online beginning April 27, 2020, until all funds are exhausted.

Institutions will receive allocations and guidance for the institutional share of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund in the coming weeks. Institutions will be able to use these funds to cover costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.