American Rescue Plan Act (HEERF III)

Updated: 1/10/2022

On March 11, 2021 the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) of 2021 was passed which included a third round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF III) to institutions of higher education.  The University received $3,413,689 to be distributed directly to students.  Awards may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care, (including mental health care) or child care.   

All matriculated students enrolled for Fall 2021 are eligible.  Unlike the previous HEERF awards, undocumented students and international students are eligible to receive ARP funding.  This includes refugees, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, other DREAMers and similar undocumented students.

As required by the Act, institutions are required to prioritize students with exceptional need.  Students with exceptional need are those who filed a FAFSA and whose expected family contribution calculation places them in the two highest quintiles for financial need.  This group of students will receive a double award of $1,320.58.  All other eligible students will receive the standard award of $660.29.  Award payments are not considered financial aid and will not affect any student’s current or future eligibility for financial aid or other assistance. 

Payments to students will occur in two phases: 

• Returning matriculated students who are enrolled for Fall 2021 AND received an award in Spring 2021 from the HEERF II (CRRSAA) funding were automatically enrolled and awards were distributed during the summer.  If you received a payment in July/August, you are not eligible to apply again. 
• The application for first year students, and those who did not receive a HEERF II award in spring 2021, closed on Friday, October 22nd. Any unclaimed awards were redistributed proportionately to those who did apply (including summer recipients).

ARP awards will not be used to satisfy a student’s outstanding account balance, but we encourage you to consider applying this award towards any amount you owe.

Payments will be sent electronically to those students enrolled in direct deposit.  Otherwise, students will receive a check mailed to the permanent address on file.  Students are encouraged to enroll in direct deposit through Self-Serve Banner to ensure quick and secure delivery of their funds.  Please reference the Controller page on pilots.up.edu for instructions to set up or update your bank account information. 

Questions should be directed to CARESAct@up.edu.

As of 12/31/2021 disbursed $3,413,689 to 2,879 students.

HEERF III Quarterly Report