CARES Act Information

Wilmington College Receives HEERF III Funding to Distribute Emergency Grants to Students through the ARP Act

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or ARP, was signed into law on March 11, 2021, and includes nearly $40 billion for institutions of higher education. These funds are the third stream of funding to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF, and as such represent HEERF III. The funding is, in part, designed to assist higher education institutions to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous funding was received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act (CRRSAA).

Who is Eligible for a CARES Grant?

Wilmington College students must meet the eligibility requirements listed below. More than 95% of our currently enrolled students are eligible for consideration of a CARES Grant. To qualify, students must:

1. Be enrolled during the designated semester at the time funds are disbursed
2. Validate financial need by completing the online form

There may be additional eligibility requirements for students in unique circumstances. Those situations impact a small percentage of our students, and contact will be made with the student should they be ineligible to receive a grant.

How Much Will I Receive in a CARES Grant?

The initial CARES Act Grant of $250 was issued to eligible students the week of June 8. These funds were disbursed to students via direct deposits or by paper check mailed to the home address on file.

Eligible students enrolled for Spring 2020 who experienced financial hardship in excess to the initial grant were able to submit a CARES Act Grant Request Form for consideration of additional funding. The Committee reviewed requests and distributed funds accordingly. It is important to note that grants were awarded on a first come, first-serve basis. Students were not guaranteed approval of the full amount requested.

Eligible students enrolled for Fall 2020 received a disbursement of $347 to assist with expenses associated with the continued pandemic as it relates to higher education.

Eligible students enrolled for Spring 2021 received a disbursement of $743 to assist with expenses associated with the continued pandemic as it relates to higher education.

Eligible students enrolled for Fall 2021 received a disbursement of $1,000 to assist with expenses associated with the continued pandemic as it relates to higher education.

Eligible students enrolled for Spring 2022 received a disbursement of $1,300 to assist with expenses associated with the continued pandemic as it relates to higher education.

Eligible students enrolled for Fall 2022 received a disbursement of $320.12 to assist with expenses associated with the continued pandemic as it relates to higher education.

STUDENT FUNDS

• Distribution detail through March 31, 2022
• Distribution detail through July 1, 2022
• Distribution detail through December 31, 2022

What Else Should I Know about the CARES Act Grant?

The CARES Act Grants:

• Cannot be used to satisfy a student’s outstanding account balances unless the institution has received written (or electronic) consent from the student.
•  ARP funds are not treated as taxable income or untaxed income for Title IV federal student aid purposes and are not subject to reporting on the 1098-T tuition statement

If additional information is needed, please contact the CARES Act Committee at: CARESACT@wilmington.edu