CARES Act FAQ
Students
What is the CARES Act Emergency Fund provided by the federal government?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which supplies emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.
When will CARES Act Funds be available?
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) applied for a federal CARES Act grant and received funding from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). During the week of May 4, 2020, FVSU will begin to distribute grants to students impacted by COVID-19 based on their financial needs. Grant recipients will be notified through their FVSU email accounts.
Who is eligible for CARES Act Funds?
- Students who apply for CARES Act Funds must be enrolled as of March 13, 2020, and is eligible for Federal Title IV financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid will use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file to determine your eligibility.
- Unfortunately, the DOE does not allow these funds to be used for international students, undocumented students, non-matriculated students, students enrolled in distance learning before March 13, 2020, and students not eligible for Federal Student Aid as determined by the DOE.
How much funding will I receive?
Award amounts will vary by the student as determined by the FAFSA and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Individual student grants will be $1000, $750, and $500.
How will I receive funds?
Students will be issued refunds through Bankmobile. Any questions concerning setting up or choosing your Bankmobile refund preference, please contact John Cagnina at 478-825-6522.
Can I request additional funding?
No, award amounts are final as funding is limited. This is a one-time payment unless the federal government passes a subsequent law which includes emergency funding for higher education institutions.
Half of the CARES Act funding is going to FVSU students as required by the federal government. How is FVSU using the other 50 percent of the funds distributed?
Colleges and universities will receive allocations and guidance for the institutional share of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund in the coming weeks. Institutions will be able to use these funds to cover costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.
What if I have an outstanding balance due to the College, will the CARES emergency funding apply to my student account balance?
No, the CARES emergency funding will not apply to your student account balance. You are still responsible for resolving any balance due to the College even if you receive emergency funding provided by the CARES Act.