RIC CRRSSA Act FAQs
What is the CRRSSA Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provided by the federal government?
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One section of the CRRSSA Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II, and provides money to schools to use for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.
When will CRRSSA/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds be available?
Rhode Island College will begin to rapidly distribute funds to students based on their financial need. Recipients will be notified via a message to their RIC email account.
What is a RIC CRRSSA ACT Fund?
The CRRSSA Act directed colleges and universities to prioritize students with the greatest financial need. As a result, Rhode Island College has established the RIC CRRSSA Act Fund. These CRRSSA Act emergency aid funds will provide financial relief to students. These funds are meant to help students pay expenses including the cost of attending Rhode Island College, technology, health care, child care, course materials, housing, moving or other expenses related to the pandemic. If you have yet to experience financial stress due to COVID-19, these funds can help with unanticipated expenses or income loss that may occur.
Who is eligible for the immediate RIC CRRSSA Act Fund?
Students who met basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid and who have the greatest financial need can be considered for these funds.
Why didn’t I receive a RIC CRRSSA Act Fund?
Under U.S. Department of Education rules for the program, students who are not eligible for federal financial aid programs are not eligible for federal CRRSSA funds. However, Rhode Island College may be able to help you with emergency aid from other institutional or private donations, or from the Rhode Island College Foundation. These funds are limited, but we encourage you to apply. We will review your request and determine if assistance is available.
In addition, if you have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) we encourage you do so at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Rhode Island College’s Federal School Code is 003407. If you have already completed the FAFSA consider filing a request for change in income or expenses for other financial aid funds for longer term and future needs. You can find more information about changing your financial aid information at http://www.ric.edu/financialaid/Pages/Current-Undergraduates.aspx.
What emergency relief funds are available for undocumented students?
While the U.S. Department of Education does not allow CRRSSA funding to provide grants to undocumented students, RIC is committed to supporting all students who need emergency assistance. DACA and undocumented students are encouraged to request funding from the Emergency Response Fund established by The Rhode Island College Foundation, the college’s philanthropic partner. The Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund is designed to support students facing unforeseen financial circumstances as a result of this global crisis. To request assistance, please complete the Student Emergency Funds Request Form.
In addition, the Rhode Island Student Success Application (RISSA) was established to exclusively support DACA and undocumented student. If you have not filed the RISSA form for 2020-21 and you need assistance, please apply at http://www.casori.org/FinancialAidforUndocumentedStudents.html.
What emergency relief funds are available for international students?
Unfortunately, under U.S. Department of Education rules for the program, international students are not eligible for the federal CRRSSA funds. International students who need emergency aid assistance are encouraged to request funding from the Emergency Response Fund established by The Rhode Island College Foundation, the college’s philanthropic partner. The Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund is designed to support students facing unforeseen financial circumstances as a result of this global crisis. To request assistance, please complete the Student Emergency Funds Request Form.
Will the CRRSSA Act funds affect my eligibility for financial aid in the Fall 2021 semester?
No. CRRSSA Act funding will not count towards Estimated Financial Assistance (EFA) and will not affect future financial aid eligibility.
Is the CRRSSA Act fund taxable?
No. Per the Internal Revenue Service, the grant will not be included in your taxable income. Please visit the IRS’s site www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-higher-education-emergency-relief-fund-and-emergency-financial-aid-grants-under-the-cares-act for more details.
What expenses qualify under the CRRSSA Act?
These funds must be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as tuition and fees, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care.
