Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II
CRRSAA (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act)
What is HEERF II?
HEERF II is the second round of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), which provides financial support to colleges and universities, as well as directly to students.
How much money can I receive through a HEERF II emergency grant?
Based on Valencia College’s plan, which includes guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education to distribute HEERF II emergency funds, the amount students are awarded is based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their student aid index (SAI). Students with exceptional need will be prioritized in grant distribution and will receive a larger grant award than students without demonstrated exceptional need. (Please see below for more information on exceptional need.)
Students who are awarded a grant will be notified of their award amount through email.
Am I eligible to receive a HEERF II emergency grant?
Based on the law and U.S. Department of Education guidelines, to be eligible for a HEERF II emergency grant, you must:
- Be enrolled at Valencia College in at least one course in a degree or certificate program in Summer 2021
- Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or have completed homeschooling
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or an eligible noncitizen
- Have submitted a 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Wednesday, June 30, 2021
How can I apply to receive HEERF II funds?
If you are eligible to apply, we will email you with instructions on how to apply. It’s important that you stay tuned to your Atlas email account for any updates about your eligibility.
I believe I’m qualified to receive a HEERF II emergency grant, but I did not receive an email. What should I do?
Please visit the virtual Answer Center for additional guidance.
Do I need to prove financial need to apply for these funds?
Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, these funds are intended to support students with the cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to COVD-19. These expenses may include as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care or child care.
How does Valencia College define exceptional need?
Valencia College defines exceptional need as students with a demonstrated $0 student aid index (SAI) as demonstrated by the 2020-2021 FAFSA. If selected for verification, students must complete the verification process to demonstrate their $0 EFC.
Do I need to repay the grant I receive?
No; you do not need to repay this grant.
Would this funding reduce my financial aid?
No; this is a one-time grant that will not affect your existing financial aid.
If I’m awarded a HEERF II emergency grant, how will I receive my grant money?
You will receive your grant money through Valencia College’s refund process, which is managed by BankMobile. To receive your refunds as quickly as possible, we highly encourage you to opt to receive electronic refunds from Valencia College, which includes grant money from the HEERF II grant. For information about how to opt in to receive electronic refunds, click here. If you do not opt in to receive electronic refunds, you will receive your grant money through a paper check mailed to your home address on file with Valencia College. Please note: receiving a paper check may cause significant delays.
Important note:
HEERF II funding will not be applied to your Valencia College account. Even if you
have outstanding tuition and fees, your funds will be deposited in your BankMobile
or personal checking account, or you’ll be sent a check in the mail. If you wish to
use these funds to pay your account balance with Valencia College, please do so through
Atlas.
When will I receive my grant money?
We will begin processing your disbursement (distribution of funds) on Monday, August 2, 2021.
If you opted to receive electronic refunds from Valencia College, your grant money will be deposited directly in your bank account
(ACH) or BankMobile Vibe Checking Account. If you did not opt to receive Valencia
College refunds electronically, you will be sent a check to the home address listed
in your Atlas account.
Please note: After disbursement begins, it may take up to three days before you receive the funds in your account through electronic transfer, and it may take more than 21 days for you to receive a check by mail.
We highly encourage you to opt in to receiving your refund electronically. If you haven’t done this already, please click here for instructions.
What should I do if I have expenses related to the coronavirus but I am not eligible for HEERF II funds?
Currently enrolled, degree-seeking students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for HEERF II funding may be eligible for a grant through the Valencia Support Fund.* The Valencia Support Fund is made available through donor contributions and other college funds to help eligible students cover expenses related to food, housing, courses materials, technology, health care, tuition, fees or child care.
If you are eligible to receive financial assistance from the Valencia Support Fund, you will receive an Atlas email with information about how to apply. Please stay tuned to your Atlas email for more information.
Please note: because international students on F or J visas already had an opportunity to apply for a Valencia Support Fund grant earlier this term, they are not eligible to apply for additional funds at this time.
*Please note: if you are eligible to file a FAFSA, you must do so. If you cannot file a FAFSA or can file a FAFSA but don’t meet other HEERF II federal emergency grant requirements, then you may qualify to receive financial assistance from the Valencia Support Fund.
Can I apply for HEERF II funding and the Valencia Support Fund?
No; you are eligible to receive funding from a HEERF II grant or the Valencia Support Fund. You are not eligible to receive financial support from both sources. We want to ensure that we can support as many students as possible.