HEERF Student Emergency Aid Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ

The U.S. Department of Education has provided Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants to colleges and universities to address student financial needs and defray institutional expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of these funds are designated for Student Emergency Aid to ensure students are able to continue their education despite the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Students who are completely enrolled in Spring 2022 classes, except personal enrichment or community education classes, are eligible to apply for funds through the online Student Emergency Aid application. Students who receive other support, such as financial aid, grants, scholarships, or Hawks Care resources, are eligible to apply. We encourage all students to apply for emergency aid if they have financial need.

To receive funding, students must complete and submit the HEERF Student Emergency Aid application.

Students can receive an emergency aid award only once per semester. Students must be enrolled in the semester they are applying.

You should receive your emergency aid grant award within two weeks after submission of your application. If you are receiving your award via direct deposit, funds should be available 2-3 days after the award is processed. Checks will be mailed to the mailing address on file. We encourage you to check and update your address at: https://www.harpercollege.edu/registration/registrar/change-address.php#Address

The amount of your award is based on your unique financial needs and the information provided in the application. A Student Application Review Committee has been created to review applications to determine the amount of awards. In cases of critical need, students will be contacted by Hawks Care Resource Center staff for additional support.

Harper is using an online emergency aid application process to give students with financial need the ability to request funding. Applications will be reviewed and awards will be distributed to eligible students via check or direct deposit within two weeks of application submission.

Awards are only provided to eligible students once per semester. If you already received funds in the current semester, your application will be denied. If you are not enrolled in the semester your application was submitted for, you will be denied an award. It is also crucial you provide accurate contact information in the application. Any other reasons for not awarding funds will be provided in the award decision email.

Harper College is dedicated to helping all its students. HEERF Student Emergency Aid grants are available to all students fully enrolled in Spring 2022 classes, excluding community education or personal enrichment classes, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

You should receive a confirmation email once you submit your application. Award decisions will also be sent to you once your application is reviewed and an award amount has been determined or your request was denied. You should receive this email within two weeks of application submission.

Direct Deposit forms are available in the Business Office and are printable from the MyHarper Portal under the Finances page. Students must complete the form, attach a voided check, and either deliver it to the Business Office in Building A, Room 214, Monday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an appointment or fax it to the Business Office at 847.925.6052 with a photo ID.

Please remember that you must notify the Business Office, in writing, of any change in your bank account. The bank account must have the student’s name on it. The Direct Deposit form will not be accepted if it is emailed or mailed to the Business Office.

You can update your address at: https://www.harpercollege.edu/registration/registrar/change-address.php#Address

The intent of the emergency aid grant award is to provide financial assistance to keep students enrolled and engaged in school throughout the pandemic. Emergency aid grants can be used for your costs related to attending Harper or for emergency costs caused by coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care, mental health care, or childcare. Students can decide how they use their emergency aid grant within these categories.

Yes, after you cash or deposit your check or receive your direct deposit, you can use those funds to pay your tuition or outstanding balance on your student account.

For questions or concerns about emergency aid grants at Harper, contact the One Stop at onestop@harpercollege.edu or call the HEERF hotline at 847.925.6484.

No, this is a grant that does not require repayment.

No, your financial aid package and all other financial aid, including scholarships, are not impacted by these funds. Additionally, this funding is not counted as income in calculating a family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

No, HEERF funds are not taxable income. For more information, please see the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) bulletin: Emergency aid granted to students due to COVID is not taxable (March 30, 2021).

Harper encourages all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships webpage to learn about financial support for college. Additional support and resources are available at Hawks Care Resource Center and Counseling Services.