What is CRRSAA?
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CRRSAA includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II(HEERF II) that provides more than $23 billion in emergency funding to higher education to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. CRRSAA requires that an institution receiving funding provide the same amount in financial aid grants to students from the new CRRSAA funds that it was required to provide under its original CARES Act Student Aid Portion award.
Rhodes College will receive a just over 600,000 to provide directly to students for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, and health care (including mental health care).
How will I receive this money?
Emergency grants funded through CARES will be processed by direct deposit or check. We strongly encourage you to opt to receive your refund via direct deposit. Direct deposit will result in more efficient processing and enable you to receive your money sooner than getting a check in the mail.
Do I need to repay the money?
No, you will not need to repay any money received through this fund.
Can the money be applied directly to my student account?
Yes. Students who want the funds applied to their student account should contact Rhodes Express. The funds will only be applied to a student’s account if a student initiates a request to Rhodes Express. Otherwise, funds will be disbursed by direct deposit or check.
Does this funding affect my other financial aid?
No. This is an emergency grant to assist with costs of attendance and to manage unexpected expenses related to the coronavirus. It will not have any impact on other financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
Are the Emergency Grants taxable?
Emergency funds disbursed through CRRSAA is not considered taxable income.