HEERF EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID GRANT
As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic security (CARES) Act, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provides colleges with emergency grants for their students. The HEERF can help you cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY BACK FUNDS YOU RECEIVE FROM THE HEERF.

WHAT ARE ELIGIBLE EXPENSES FOR THE EMERGENCY GRANT FUNDS?
If you receive emergency grant funds from the HEERF, you can use it for expenses you incurred due to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, such as:

• Housing (rent)
• Food/groceries
• Utilities
• Course materials
• Technology
• Childcare
• Health/medical expenses
• Transportation
• Other

   

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR EMERGENCY GRANT FUNDS?
To be eligible for emergency grant funds from HEERF, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs, as listed below:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Be registered for Selective Service (if male)
• Be a high school graduate or have a recognized equivalent (such as a GED)
• Not in default on a federal student loan
• Not owe money on a federal student grant
• Did not have a drug conviction while receiving federal student aid
• Be enrolled as a CDI student in an eligible financial aid program of study from March 16, 2020 through June 24, 2020
• Be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) during March16, 2020 through June 24, 2020
• Incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19
• Meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs

HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE IN EMERGENCY GRANT FUNDS?

• Group 1: Students who have an EFC of 0 during any award year covered by their enrollment at CDI.
  The award is $1285
• Group 2: Students who have an EFC of 1-9999 during any award year covered by their enrollment at CDI.
  The award is $1100
• Group 3: Students who have an EFC of over 10,000 during all award years covered by their enrollment at CDI.
  The award is $555

   

HOW DO I APPLY FOR EMERGENCY GRANT FUNDS?
Complete and submit the HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grant Request Form. You are limited to one HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grant Request Form. Applications must be received by July 15, 2020 in order to participate. E-mail your application to our Financial Aid Director, [email protected].

AFTER YOU APPLY
HEERF grant disbursement will be issued approximately 4-5 weeks after your application is received from CDI.

If Approved:

• You will be e-mailed directly that you are approved. We will not accept student inquiries by phone.
• You MUST pick up and sign for your check directly with the financial aid department at CDI. No checks will be mailed.
• After you receive your e-mail for approval, you MUST first make an appointment with our Financial Aid Director, Anthony Bateman. We will not issue a check to any student who just walks in, even if they received an e-mail that they were approved.

   

DO I NEED TO COMPLETE A FASFA TO APPLY FOR THIS GRANT?
Yes. You do need to meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs. The HEERF emergency grant program is only temporary support.

I AM UNDOCUMENTED AND/OR A DACA STUDENT.  AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE HEERF EMERGENCY GRANT? 
No. You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.

WHEN IS THE LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT? 
HEERF emergency grants are first-come, first-served. Applications must be received by July 15, 2020 in order to participate. The funding will be awarded until the funds have been exhausted.

HOW OFTEN CAN I REQUEST A HEERF EMERGENCY GRANT?  
You are limited to one request.

I HAVE A BALANCE ON MY CDI TUITION ACCOUNT. IF I’M AWARDED THIS GRANT, WILL THE BALANCE BE DEDUCTED?  
No. The entire amount of the grant will be disbursed to you. The student may use his or her emergency financial aid grant for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.