Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Written by
Mason Koelm

*The following information was sent out by the University of Iowa 2/19/21 in a COVID-19 Campus Update email.*

The University of Iowa will be receiving additional funds from the most recent stimulus package to distribute during the spring 2021 semester to assist students. Funds to assist students were established by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). In 2020, the funding was provided through the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). 

This new funding for 2021 is through the Higher Education Emergency Relief funds and is being referred to as HEERF II funds. Because this is a different funding bill, different rules apply. Schools are required by the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize students with exceptional financial need.  Therefore, students will only be allowed to apply for these funds if they demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is cost of attendance minus expected family contribution. More information about HEERF II application requirements is here.

Though the application is not yet available, students can take these steps now to begin preparing to apply:

  • Complete the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if you have not already done so. The FAFSA is required to be able to apply for HEERF II funds. 
  • Double check your MyUI Financial Aid To Do List to see if you have any additional documents to complete for federal verification.
  • Continue to watch the weekly COVID-19 updates closely for updates on the application process and deadline. The university will share more information about the application process in March, and the date the application opens will be communicated in advance.

Students experiencing financial distress or uncertainty also should review the resources available to them through the Office of Student Financial Aid and reach out to discuss other aid options. The Office of the Dean of Students also may be able to provide relief through the Student Emergency Fund.