CARES Act

Reporting

Application for Additional CARES Act Funds

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund and sent money to schools to use for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

CARES Act grants will be made to students based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) reported in a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2019-20. Consistent with U.S. Department of Education guidance, distribution will be based on a students need in a tiered approach.

CARES Act funds will be issued to students irrespective of any outstanding account balance they may owe to the College. This means you may receive these funds but still owe a balance to the college. You are strongly encouraged to manage your account through your MyCollege portal.

Am I eligible to receive a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Emergency Financial Aid Grant?

Students who were enrolled for the spring 2020 term and, based on U.S. Department of Education guidance, meet all of the following criteria are eligible:

The student incurred expenses directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to Covid-19
The student is eligible to receive Title IV funding (e.g., U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with a valid Social Security number and registration with the Selective Service, if applicable) as determined by having filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and
The student was NOT exclusively enrolled in fully distance education or online program prior to March 19, 2020
Students must have been in good Academic Standing prior to start of spring 2020 semester
Students must not have withdrawn or walked away from all coursework

What would be examples of funds directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus?

Everyone’s specific expenses may vary – some typical examples might include, but are not limited to: Food – purchases of meals and groceries due to the dining hall being closed and students needing to relocate from the Student Village Housing – expenses associated with relocating due to the Student Village closing. Technology – computer hardware or software required for a particular class which the student did not already have and couldn’t reasonably or timely obtain from the College Transportation – the cost of an additional trip to/from your campus due to the migration to online courses or the cost of shipping your household goods home if you did not return to campus Course Materials- the cost of supplies you needed to purchase because you were not able to use them on campus Other – childcare or medical expenses if they were incurred because of the disruption in campus operations

What would be examples of expenses that would NOT be eligible for a CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grant?

Lost wages, impact of financial hardship (e.g., students or parent’s loss of income impacting ability to pay tuition and fees), expenses you would have incurred even if the campus operations had NOT been disrupted, etc.

I didn’t file a 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Can I receive the Federal Emergency Grant?

No, you must be eligible for Title IV funding as determined by having completed and filed the 2019-20 FAFSA. You may, however, file the FAFSA now and then apply for a CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grant. Filing a FAFSA makes you eligible but does not guarantee you will receive a CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grant.

Can International students receive a Federal Emergency Grant?

No, International students are not eligible for the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grant.

If I receive a grant and have an outstanding balance on my Student Account, will the funds be applied to those charges?

No, these credits will be refunded to the student regardless of account standing; if you have not already selected your refund preference or are unsure of you refund preference you may verify by going to BankMobile

How do I apply for an Emergency Aid Grant?

Eligible students will be emailed information on how to accept their base CARES Act Grant. Emails will come from CaresAct@sunybroome.edu You may also apply for additional CARES Act Funding by submitting the “Emergency Funding Application” found above on this website to CaresAct@sunybroome.edu

Do I have to repay my Federal Emergency Aid Grant?

You do not have to repay a Federal Emergency Aid Grant. The Federal CARES Act Emergency Grant funds are designed to be a grant (otherwise called gift aid) and is not a loan.

How will this grant impact my current Financial Aid?

This funding will not reduce your financial aid. It does not negate nor replace financial aid.

What are the tax implications if I accept a Federal Emergency Grant?

Students interested in any tax or reporting requirements regarding receipt of a Federal Emergency Grant should monitor the IRS website. View the IRS’s FAQs.

Covid-19 has impacted my personal financial situation (e.g., I am worried about my financial ability to continue my education at SUNY Broome) – what can College do to help?

The SUNY Broome Financial Aid Office is always willing to look at each student’s unique situation and may be able to offer some assistance through the various sources of aid available. Please contact us at finaid@sunybroome.edu or call us at +1 (607) 778-5028 option 8 for additional assistance.