Q:  How do I know if I will receive a CARES Act HEERF grant?

A:  To determine eligibility, EGCC is following both the recommendations and the awarding protocol established by the US Department of Education.

Eligible students will meet the following criteria:

• Must reside in EGCC’s Ohio service district (Columbiana, Jefferson, Mahoning, or Trumbull counties).
• Must have completed a 2019-2020 FAFSA, submitted all supplemental documentation as required by ED, and be eligible to receive Title IV Federal Aid.
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the 2019-2020 FAFSA application.
• Meet all enrollment requirements and attend at least one course during the Summer semester, beginning June 1, 2020.

Q:  Will all qualifying students receive a CARES Act HEERF grant?

No.  CARES Act HEERF grant funding issued to EGCC is limited and will be issued first to those with significant need as determined by the 2019-2020 FAFSA.  Funds will be distributed directly to qualifying students attending courses in the Summer semester, beginning with continuing, returning, and then new students, until our HEERF funding is exhausted.   

Q:  If I qualify, how much will I receive?

A:  Qualifying students will receive a one-time grant of $750

Q:  When will I know if I will receive a grant?

A: As of 6/25/2020, we are actively reviewing all students for eligibility.  This will take several days, and we expect funds to be issued on 7/1/2020.  Qualifying students will be notified via their Student Email early next week.

Q:  If I qualify, how will I receive my funding?

A:  Your CARES Act HEERF grant funding will be sent in the form of a check, via US Mail.  Please ensure that your address is up to date.

Q:  Do I need to repay this HEERF grant?

A:  No.  Aid that you receive through this fund does not need to be repaid.  This fund does not impact nor replace any financial aid you may currently receive, and it is a one-time grant.

Q:  What if I qualify for the grant and currently owe tuition or other expenses to EGCC?

A:  The full amount of the CARES Act HEERF Grant will be issued to eligible students.  The US Department of Education does not permit HEERF Grant funding to be used by EGCC to cover current or prior balances.  Any outstanding balance owed to EGCC remains the responsibility of the student.

Q:  If I receive a CARES Act HEERF grant, is it taxable?

A:  No.  Per the US Internal Revenue Service code, HEERF Grants issued under the CARES Act are qualified disaster relief payments and will not be taxable.

Q:  I am a student living outside of EGCC’s local service district.  Why am I ineligible for the CARES Act HEERF grant?

A:  EGCC is following both the recommendations and the awarding protocol established by the US Department of Education, including student eligibility under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.  We understand that students residing outside of our local service district may be in need of supplemental funding during this difficult time.  If current guidance changes, or if new regulations are passed, we will adapt accordingly and as soon as possible to issue funds to students in need, and who are currently ineligible for the HEERF grant.

If information (such as, household income data) that you have reported on your FAFSA has changed, we encourage you to contact our Financial Aid Office at finaid@egcc.edu or 833-465-2505 option #2.  We may be able to assist with updating your data to reflect your current and/or future circumstances, and therefore explore potential eligibility for existing financial aid opportunities.

Q: Who can I contact if I have other questions about the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund?

A:  Students may email questions to finaid@egcc.edu or call our Financial Aid Help Desk at 833-465-2505 option #2.