Most Recent: HEERF III Student Emergency Grants
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
Laurel Ridge has $4,562,945 in funds being used to provide student emergency grants.
What is the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant?
The HEERF III Student Emergency Grant is aid in the form of direct payments to eligible students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, which may include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.
Who is eligible for the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant?
Fall 2022
Credit Students:
Students must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, the Virginia Community College System, and Laurel Ridge:
- Student meets all Title IV eligibility criteria and is enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program as of Fall 2022. *Students with incomplete To Do List items are excluded*
- Student was actively enrolled for the Fall 2022 semester as of November 1, 2022, when the process was run.
- Student must be enrolled half-time or greater, which means enrolled in at least six financial-aid eligible credits.
- Student’s FAFSA information must be below institution specified Expected Family Contribution(EFC) ceiling, which was less than $150,000.
Based on the criteria above, there were 1,358 eligible students at Laurel Ridge that will each receive an emergency grant in the amount of $1,055.
The Laurel Ridge Office of Financial Aid uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility. If you believe you may be eligible to file a FAFSA but have not yet filed one for 2022-23, please file your application at www.studentaid.gov
Workforce Solutions & Continuing Education(WSCE) Students:
Students must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, the Virginia Community College System, and Laurel Ridge:
- Student meets the FANTIC eligibility requirements.
- Student was actively enrolled in Workforce courses from August 1, 2022 – October 28, 2022.
Based on the criteria above, there were 106 eligible Workforce students at Laurel Ridge that will each receive an emergency grant in the amount of $1,055.
Spring 2022
Credit Students:
Students must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, the Virginia Community College System, and Laurel Ridge:
- Student meets all Title IV eligibility criteria and is enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program as of Spring 2022.
- Student was actively enrolled for the Spring 2022 semester as of February 14, 2022, when the process was run.
- Student must be enrolled half-time or greater, which means enrolled in at least six financial-aid eligible credits.
- Student’s FAFSA information must be below institution specified Expected Family Contribution(EFC) ceiling, which was less than $150,000.
Based on the criteria above, there were 1,263 eligible students at Laurel Ridge that will each receive an emergency grant in the amount of $1,100.
The Laurel Ridge Office of Financial Aid uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility. If you believe you may be eligible to file a FAFSA but have not yet filed one for 2021-22, please file your application at www.studentaid.gov
Workforce Solutions & Continuing Education(WSCE) Students:
Students must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, the Virginia Community College System, and Laurel Ridge:
- Student meets the FANTIC eligibility requirements.
- Student was actively enrolled in Workforce courses from January 4, 2022 – February 15, 2022.
Based on the criteria above, there were 32 eligible Workforce students at Laurel Ridge that will each receive an emergency grant in the amount of $1,100.
Fall 2021
Credit Students:
Students must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, the Virginia Community College System, and Laurel Ridge:
- Student meets all Title IV eligibility criteria and is enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program as of Fall 2021.
- Student was actively enrolled for the Fall 2021 semester as of November 15, 2021, when the process was run.
- Student must be enrolled half-time or greater, which means enrolled in at least six financial-aid eligible credits.
- Student’s FAFSA information must be below institution specified Expected Family Contribution(EFC) ceiling, which was less than $150,000.
Based on the criteria above, there were 1,428 eligible students at Laurel Ridge that will each receive an emergency grant in the amount of $1,100.
The Laurel Ridge Office of Financial Aid uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility. If you believe you may be eligible to file a FAFSA but have not yet filed one for 2021-22, please file your application at www.studentaid.gov
Workforce Solutions & Continuing Education(WSCE) Students:
Students must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, the Virginia Community College System, and Laurel Ridge:
- Student meets the FANTIC eligibility requirements.
- Student was actively enrolled in Workforce courses from July 1, 2021 – November 15, 2021.
Based on the criteria above, there were 26 eligible Workforce students at Laurel Ridge that will each receive an emergency grant in the amount of $1,100.
Why didn’t I receive the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant?
Per the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, VCCS, and Laurel Ridge, students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements to receive a HEERF III Student Emergency Grant. Therefore, international and undocumented students are not eligible.
Non-matriculated students are not eligible. These are students who have not yet been accepted for admission to Laurel Ridge or have lost matriculated status by not enrolling in coursework for one term.
The Laurel Ridge Office of Financial Aid uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility. If you believe you may be eligible to file a FAFSA but have not yet filed one for 2022-23, please file your application at www.studentaid.gov.
Is other financial assistance available?
If you are not eligible for the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant, Laurel Ridge may be able to help you identify other sources of aid or scholarships. We know that the income of many families may be in flux or there may be additional expenses due to COVID-19.
Please complete Laurel Ridge’s emergency fund online application to request help with your immediate needs and consider filing a Request for Review for other financial aid funds for longer term and future needs.
The Laurel Ridge Foundation is still accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-23 academic year. The easy, online application is at laurelridge.edu/scholarships.
When will the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant be distributed?
Fall 2022
Laurel Ridge will rapidly start distributing grants to students based on their eligibility. We anticipate the grants will be disbursed the week of December 1st at the latest. Recipients will be notified via their MyLaurelRidge Message Center.
Spring 2022
Laurel Ridge will rapidly start distributing grants to students based on their eligibility. We anticipate the grants will be disbursed the week of March 28th at the latest. Recipients will be notified via their MyLaurelRidge Message Center.
Fall 2021
Laurel Ridge will rapidly start distributing grants to students based on their eligibility. We anticipate the grants will be disbursed the week of December 1st at the latest. Recipients will be notified via their MyLaurelRidge Message Center.
Do I need to report financial aid or grants on my federal tax return?
Each financial award you receive from the federal government and other sources will have separate and unique tax consequences for your federal tax return. Visit the IRS website for assistance.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, was signed into law on March 27 to help mitigate the fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to provide emergency funding to eligible institutions of higher education.
The federal legislation stipulates that no less than 50% of the funds received by institutions of higher education must benefit students directly in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Laurel Ridge has received $2,319,604 in funds, and 50% of the funds ($1,159,802) received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act are being used to provide student emergency grants. Disclosures on the status of the use of HEERF funds for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students can be found here.
What is the CARES Act/HEERF Student Emergency Grant?
The Cares Act/HEERF student emergency grant is aid in the form of direct payments to eligible students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, which may include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.
Who is eligible for a CARES Act/HEERF Student Emergency Grant?
Students must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education and the Virginia Community College System:
- Student meets all Title IV eligibility criteria and is enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program as of Spring 2020
- Student was actively enrolled for the Spring 2020 semester as of March 13, 2020, the date of the National Emergency Declaration.
- Student must be enrolled half-time or greater, which means enrolled in at least six financial-aid eligible credits that were not exclusively online
- Student must be enrolled in an on-campus program and not taking all classes online
- Student’s FAFSA information must be below institution specified EFC ceiling
Based on the criteria above, there were 1,818 students at Laurel Ridge who met Criteria #1 – #4; however, 1,007 students met all 5 criteria and demonstrated the greatest financial need with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of less than $12,000. Therefore, 1,007 students at Laurel Ridge will receive an emergency grant in the amount of $1,150.
The Laurel Ridge Office of Financial Aid uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility. If you believe you may be eligible to file a FAFSA but have not yet filed one for 2019-20, please file your application at www.studentaid.gov
Why didn’t I receive a CARES Act/HEERF Student Emergency Grant?
Per the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education, students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements to receive a CARES Act/HEERF student emergency grant. Therefore, international and undocumented students are not eligible.
In addition, the Department of Education also specifies that students who were enrolled exclusively in online programs on March 13, the date of the National Emergency Declaration, are not eligible.
Non-matriculated students are not eligible. These are students who have not yet been accepted for admission to Laurel Ridge or have lost matriculated status by not enrolling in coursework for one term.
The Laurel Ridge Office of Financial Aid uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility. If you believe you may be eligible to file a FAFSA but have not yet filed one for 2019-20, please file your application at www.studentaid.gov
Is other financial assistance available?
If you are not eligible for the CARES Act/HEERF grant, Laurel Ridge may be able to help you identify other sources of aid or scholarships. We know that the income of many families may be in flux or there may be additional expenses due to COVID-19.
Please complete Laurel Ridge’s emergency fund online application to request help with your immediate needs and consider filing a Request for Review for other financial aid funds for longer term and future needs.
The Laurel Ridge Foundation is still accepting scholarship applications for the 2020-21 academic year. The easy, online application is at www.laurelridge.edu/scholarships
When will the CARES Act/HEERF grants be distributed?
Laurel Ridge has submitted its grant application for funding from the federal CARES Act. Once funding is received from the U.S. Department of Education, we will rapidly start distributing grants to students based on their eligibility. We anticipate the grants will be disbursed during the week of June 1st. Recipients will be notified via their MyLaurelRidge Message Center.
Do I need to report financial aid or grants on my federal tax return?
Each financial award you receive from the federal government and other sources will have separate and unique tax consequences for your federal tax return. Visit the https://www.irs.gov/IRS website for assistance.
CARES Act Disclosures, Quarterly Budget & Expenditure Reporting
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), was enacted on December 27, 2020 to help mitigate the fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CRRSAA includes a second allocation of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) to provide emergency funding to eligible institutions of higher education.
The legislation stipulates that a portion of the funds received by institutions of higher education must benefit students directly in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Laurel Ridge has $1,328,800 in funds being used to provide student emergency grants.
What is the CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant?
The CCRRSAA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant is aid in the form of direct payments to eligible students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, which may include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.
Who is eligible for a CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant
Students must meet the following criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education and the Virginia Community College System:
- Student meets all Title IV eligibility criteria and is enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program as of Spring 2021.
- Student was actively enrolled for the Spring 2021 semester as of March 3, 2021, when the process was run.
- Student must be enrolled half-time or greater, which means enrolled in at least six financial-aid eligible credits.
- Student’s FAFSA information must be below institution specified Expected Family Contribution(EFC) ceiling, which was less than $20,001.
Based on the criteria above, there were 1,208 eligible students at Laurel Ridge that will each receive an emergency grant in the amount of $1,100.
The Laurel Ridge Office of Financial Aid uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility. If you believe you may be eligible to file a FAFSA but have not yet filed one for 2020-21, please file your application at www.studentaid.gov
Why didn’t I receive a CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant?
Per the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education and VCCS, students must meet Title IV eligibility requirements to receive a CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant. Therefore, international and undocumented students are not eligible.
Non-matriculated students are not eligible. These are students who have not yet been accepted for admission to Laurel Ridge or have lost matriculated status by not enrolling in coursework for one term.
The Laurel Ridge Office of Financial Aid uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine student eligibility. If you believe you may be eligible to file a FAFSA but have not yet filed one for 2020-21, please file your application at www.studentaid.gov
Is other financial assistance available?
If you are not eligible for the CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant, Laurel Ridge may be able to help you identify other sources of aid or scholarships. We know that the income of many families may be in flux or there may be additional expenses due to COVID-19.
Please complete Laurel Ridge’s emergency fund online application to request help with your immediate needs and consider filing a Request for Review for other financial aid funds for longer term and future needs.
The Laurel Ridge Foundation is still accepting scholarship applications for the 2020-21 academic year. The easy, online application is at www.laurelridge.edu/scholarships
When will the CRRSAA/HEERF II Student Emergency Grant be distributed?
Laurel Ridge will rapidly start distributing grants to students based on their eligibility. We anticipate the grants will be disbursed the week of April 1st at the latest. Recipients will be notified via their MyLaurelRidge Message Center.
Do I need to report financial aid or grants on my federal tax return?
Each financial award you receive from the federal government and other sources will have separate and unique tax consequences for your federal tax return. Visit the https://www.irs.gov/IRS website for assistance.
Disclosures, Quarterly Budget, & Expenditure Reporting
HEERF III Disclosures, Quarterly Budget & Expenditure Reporting
- Quarterly Report 3/31/2023: 00865900_HEERF_Q12023_01102023
- Quarterly Report 12/31/2022: 00865900_HEERF_Q42022_01102023
- Quarterly Report 9/30/2022: 00865900_HEERF_Q32022_10102022
- Quarterly Report 6/30/2022: 00865900_HEERF_Q22022_07112022
- Quarterly Report 3/31/2022: 00865900_HEERF_Q12022_04082022
- Quarterly Report 12/31/2021: 00865900_HEERF_Q42021_01102022
CRRSAA/HEERF II
CARES Act
- CARES Act Disclosure 6.7.2020
- CARES Act Disclosure 7.17.2020
- CARES Act Disclosure 9.4.2020
- CARES Act Disclosure 10.5.2020
- Quarterly Budget & Expenditure Reporting 10.30.2020
- Quarterly Budget & Expenditure Reporting 12.31.2020
- Quarterly Budget & Expenditure Reporting 03.31.2021
- Quarterly Budget & Expenditure Reporting 06.30.2021