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Academic and Student Services

Coronavirus Aid Information for Students

Pandemic Provisions for Federal Loan Borrowers

At the end of August, President Biden announced several measures being taken towards student debt relief. Please refer to the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) webpage to view the full announcement and stay up to date with the latest details.

The provisions include extending the pause on payments and interest accrual on federally held Direct Loans and one-time debt relief through loan cancellation for qualified borrowers. Current information, the application and FAQ’s can be found at studentaid.gov.

Borrowers are encouraged to sign up for notifications via the U.S. Department of Education subscriptions page.

Follow Federal Student Aid or contact your loan servicer for additional information as details are released.

Additional Resources

The state of Wisconsin has partnered with Savi to offer free assistance to Wisconsin residents and workers who need help navigating the new federal loan PSLF or cancellation provisions. You should not pay for this service. Learn more about Wisconsin’s financial wellness plan.

Defaulted borrowers have help available through the Fresh Start provision. Wisconsin residents can seek assistance through the state’s partnership with Ascendium. Learn more at the Student Loan Start Over website. The information is specific to Milwaukee county; however, they will help any Wisconsin resident who contacts them for assistance.

Prior HEERF Student Funding

CARES Act (HEERF I) Funding for Students (Spring/Summer 2020)

The application for CARES Act funding is now closed.

The Medical College of Wisconsin has been awarded funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which provides emergency financial grants for eligible students impacted by campus disruptions due to the coronavirus outbreak. Eligible expenses covered by the grants must have direct ties to the disruption of campus operations, such as money spent on additional technology requirements, course materials and healthcare.

CRRSAA (HEERF II) Funding for Students (Spring 2021)

The Medical College of Wisconsin has been awarded funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA or HEERF II) to help students who are struggling with expenses related certain costs incurred after December 27, 2020 that arise due to the coronavirus.

ARP (HEERF III) Funding for Students (Fall 2021)

The federal government has allocated limited funds to MCW through the American Rescue Plan 2021 (ARP or HEERF III) to help students who are struggling with expenses related certain costs incurred on or after March 13, 2020 that arise due to the coronavirus.

View the MCW Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who is eligible to receive funds?

CARES/HEERF I

Only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants. A student must have filed a 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 the HEA.

Students must have been enrolled in classes during the Spring 2020 semester when the national emergency was declared.

Unfortunately, these funds cannot be used for students who are paid through a research stipend, enrolled in all online courses, international students, or DACA students.

CRRSAA/HEERF II

Students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Must have borrowed federal funds from the Unsubsidized and/or Grad PLUS loan programs for the 2020-2021 year prior to March 1.
  • Must have incurred qualifying expenses due to Coronavirus on or after December 27, 2020. Eligible expenses include PPE, healthcare and/or technology.
  • Be enrolled in a degree program eligible for federal (Title IV) financial aid.

Unfortunately, students enrolled in stipend programs, international students or DACA students are not eligible for funding.

ARP/HEERF III

To qualify for a HEERF III grant, you must:

  • Have borrowed federal funds from the Unsubsidized and/or Grad PLUS loan programs for the 2021-2022 year prior to September 1.
  • Have incurred new qualifying expenses due to Coronavirus on or after March 13, 2020. Eligible expenses include PPE, healthcare, and/or technology.

Students enrolled in stipend programs are not eligible for funding.

How do I access HEERF funds?

The application link for HEERF III funds was emailed to all active students in September 2021. Be sure to check your email for the information.

What is the application deadline?

The application for CARES Act funding is now closed.

The HEERF II application deadline was March 26, 2021.

The HEERF III application deadline is September 24, 2021.

How much money will I receive?

CARES/HEERF I

The amount of the money awarded to each student will vary based on their unique expenses specific to campus disruptions due COVID-19. All eligible students requesting funds must complete the application and, if the request exceeds $200, provide supporting documentation.

Funds can only be considered for additional expenses incurred during months for which the student is participating in classes.

CRRSAA/HEERF II

The amount of funds award to each student will be divided evenly amongst all eligible students with a completed application. The Office of Financial Aid will confirm information submitted on the applications. Students can expect to receive at least $200 based on the pool of eligible students.

ARP/HEERF III

Students who received PELL Grant as an undergrad received a block grant of $1825. All other eligible students who submit an application will receive $200 until funds are exhausted or the deadline passes, whichever comes first.

What documentation do I need to submit with the application?
For expenses incurred below $200 no receipts are required. You do, however, need to complete the application about your circumstances and what expenses you are requesting. If the total of all your CARES funding requests exceed $200, the application and receipts are required. 
I was hired to work in the summer research program and the program has been canceled or I have lost current or future employment. Am I eligible to receive HEERF I funds for lost earnings?
No. Federal guidelines do not allow funds to be used for lost wages. You may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Additionally, expenses incurred during periods of non-enrollment are ineligible for funds.
Can I apply the money I receive to pay my tuition balance?
MCW cannot keep the funds on your account to pay your tuition balance. Funds must go directly to the student.
Will the money I receive be considered taxable income?
The IRS has said that “this grant is not includible in your gross income.” Visit the IRS website for assistance.
How will MCW disburse the money if my application is approved?
Funds will be disbursed directly to the student through the Student Accounts Office. For students who have direct deposit, funds will be sent to the financial institution via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). For students who do not have direct deposit, checks will be mailed to the address currently on file. 
Where can I learn more about the Coronavirus Relief Fund?

More information will be shared in emails and on this webpage as it becomes available. You can also find information on the following Department of Education webpages: