Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Grants
Emergency Grants for Students
The federal government has provided Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) resources for higher education institutions to help address the immediate and urgent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our students and colleges.
The intent of these funds is to support our neediest students whose lives and education have been impacted by the pandemic.
For the Summer 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023 and Summer 2023 terms these grants range from $150 to $900, based on a student's financial need and the number of units they were enrolled in this semester. Students may be eligible for a second, matching grant based on continued enrollment. For the Fall 2023 term, eligible Priority 0 to Priority 2 students enrolled by May 10, 2023, will receive the final distribution of HEERF grants. These grants range from $150 to $900, based on a student's financial need and the number of units they were enrolled in this semester.
In addition, we offer the Student Emergency Fund program for acute student needs. If you are a student still facing an emergency and you meet the CARES eligibility, then fill out the short Student Emergency Fund application.
Students may also be eligible for other federal funds from the CARES Act, as part of its Assistance for American Workers and Families program. You can also learn more information about all of the Financial Aid options that might be available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Consolidated Appropriations Act was passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2020. One aspect of the act was the continuation of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), originally passed last March. HEERF provides funds to institutions for emergency grants to students whose lives have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the HEERF Emergency Grants website to learn more.
In March 2020, Los Rios allocated $13 million of the original HEERF funds to provide Emergency Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the extension of the HEERF program, Los Rios was allocated an additional $72 million to provide Emergency Grants directly to students. Funds are intended to help with academically related expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and childcare.
Los Rios' allocation was determined by the US Department of Education based on the number of Pell Grant-eligible students enrolled on campus (70% of the weight) and the overall enrollment (30% of the weight). Given the weighting, Congress clearly intends the funds to go to students with the most financial need.
We know that many students' financial needs extend beyond the current term, so we anticipate being able to provide additional resources to enrolled and qualifying students in future terms.
Additionally, we offer the Student Emergency Fund program for acute student needs. If you are a student still facing an emergency and you meet the eligibility requirements, then fill out the short Student Emergency Fund application.
The following are the general eligibility criteria for these funds:
- Students must have been enrolled in classes in the term for which the funds are allocated.
- Students must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
- Students must have an "expected family contribution" (EFC) below $6,207. (Learn more about EFC at the Federal Student Aid website.)
- Students must meet federal satisfactory academic progress standards.
Currently enrolled students who are not eligible for federal HEERF emergency grants may be able to receive different emergency grants supported by other sources of institutional funding (you can find additional information about other funding sources on this page).
Yes, the Los Rios Colleges are committed to supporting students who have acute financial needs. Students who need financial support should contact their college's financial aid office.
Yes, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and have an "expected family contribution" (EFC) below $5,847. (Learn more about EFC at the Federal Student Aid website.)
Yes – if a student is eligible for an emergency grant, then they will receive the money even if they have current financial holds or owe the campus fees or fines.
Emergency grants are pro-rated based on the number of units in which a student is or was enrolled during terms when the grants are awarded.
Note: In addition to being enrolled in courses, students must have a completed FAFSA/CADAA application and meet all other eligibility.
Eligible students will receive the emergency grants automatically and are not required to take any additional action. Emergency grants will be automatically disbursed to students through the Financial Aid Office. No application – besides the FAFSA/CADAA – is needed.
HEERF expires soon and the remaining grant money available to distribute is limited. The final distribution will provide HEERF grants to eligible Priority 0 to Priority 2 students enrolled in the Fall 2023 term by May 10, 2023. Grant amounts vary by student based on the number of units in which a student was enrolled. Students enrolled in at least 15 units (with math and English) will receive the maximum amount of aid. The following is the full breakdown by unit count:
- If a student is enrolled in 0.5 to 5.5 units, then they will receive $150.
- If a student is enrolled in 6 to 8.5 units, then they will receive $300.
- If a student is enrolled in 9 to 11.5 units, then they will receive $450.
- If a student is enrolled in 12 or more units, then they will receive $600.
- If a student is enrolled in 15 or more units, then they will receive $750.
- If a student is enrolled in certain math and English courses, then they will receive an additional $150.
The amount of HEERF funding institutions received varied based on the Department of Education's allocation formula. That means the amount of the emergency grants at the Los Rios colleges will not be the same as at other colleges and universities, even in the Sacramento area. Each college and university is required to develop its own strategy for disbursing the funds to students enrolled at their campus based on federal eligibility guidelines.
Grant amounts vary by student based on the number of units in which a student was enrolled. Students enrolled in at least 15 units (with math and English) will receive the maximum amount of aid. The following is the full breakdown by unit count:
- If a student is enrolled in 0.5 to 5.5 units, then they will receive $150.
- If a student is enrolled in 6 to 8.5 units, then they will receive $300.
- If a student is enrolled in 9 to 11.5 units, then they will receive $450.
- If a student is enrolled in 12 or more units, then they will receive $600.
- If a student is enrolled in 15 or more units, then they will receive $750.
- If a student is enrolled in certain math and English courses, then they will receive an additional $150.
Students may receive a second, matching grant amount at the end of the term if they are still enrolled and still meet all eligibility requirements.
The amount of HEERF funding that institutions received varied based on the Department of Education's allocation formula. That means the amount of the emergency grants at the Los Rios colleges will not be the same as at other colleges and universities, even in the Sacramento area. Each college and university is required to develop its own strategy for disbursing the funds to students enrolled at their campus based on federal eligibility guidelines.
Grant amounts vary by student based on the number of units in which a student was enrolled. Students enrolled in at least 15 units (with math and English) will receive the maximum amount of aid. The following is the full breakdown by unit count:
- If a student is enrolled in 0.5 to 5.5 units, then they will receive $100.
- If a student is enrolled in 6 to 8.5 units, then they will receive $200.
- If a student is enrolled in 9 to 11.5 units, then they will receive $300.
- If a student is enrolled in 12 or more units, then they will receive $400.
- If a student is enrolled in 15 or more units, then they will receive $500.
- If a student is enrolled in certain math and English courses, then they will receive an additional $100.
Students may receive a second, matching grant amount at the end of the term if they are still enrolled and still meet all eligibility requirements.
The amount of HEERF funding that institutions received varied based on the Department of Education's allocation formula. That means the amount of the emergency grants at the Los Rios colleges will not be the same as at other colleges and universities, even in the Sacramento area. Each college and university is required to develop its own strategy for disbursing the funds to students enrolled at their campus based on federal eligibility guidelines.
Eligible students will receive a notification in their eServices message center upon confirmation of their eligibility.
Emergency grants will be disbursed to most students though Los Rios' refund partner, BankMobile. If you have not yet set up your direct deposit or informed BankMobile how you would like to receive your funds, then use the following directions. If no refund preference is selected, then it can delay the receipt of your funds.
To select how you would like your money delivered:
- Visit RefundSelection.com.
- Enter your BankMobile Personal Code or choose to get an instant personal code.
- Choose your preferred delivery method.
If you do not have a BankMobile account or a social security number (SSN), or if you cannot open a bank account, then your funds will be mailed to you at the address listed on your student record. To confirm or change your address:
- Log in to eServices.
- Select Profile.
- Select Addresses.
- Add or update your address.
We anticipate disbursements around the beginning and end of the applicable term.
For students who have selected a refund preference (direct deposit), emergency grants should only take a couple of days to deposit. For eligible students who are not enrolled in BankMobile, checks will be mailed to you at the address listed on your student record. If you received a message in your eServices Message Center confirming your eligibility, then please allow up to ten days for the receipt of your check.
The grant should be used for academic-related expenses incurred due to COVID-19. Examples include expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and childcare.
We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Though you may not be eligible for the initial disbursements of these emergency grants now, you may be eligible for CARES/HEERF emergency grants and other funds in the future.
Completing the FAFSA or CADAA will allow students to be considered for many kinds of financial aid.
If you are not a US citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen, then you can still access other financial aid opportunities by submitting the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
We offer the Student Emergency Fund program for acute student needs. If you are a student still facing an emergency and you meet the eligibility requirements, then fill out the short Student Emergency Fund application.
For basic questions about your eligibility for HEERF emergency grants, contact your college financial aid office.
Official Reporting and Notification Requirements
- May 6, 2020 Public Reporting Requirement for HEERF I Student Aid Portion
- June 21, 2020 Public Reporting Requirement for HEERF I Student Aid Portion
- September 30, 2020 Quarterly Public Reporting Requirement for HEERF I Student Aid Portion
- December 31, 2020 Quarterly Public Reporting Requirement for HEERF I Student Aid Portion
- March 31, 2021 Quarterly Public Reporting Requirement for HEERF I Student Aid Portion
- June 30, 2021 Quarterly Public Reporting Requirement for (HEERF I, II, III) (a)(1) and (a)(4) Student Aid Portion
- September 30, 2021 Quarterly Public Reporting Requirement for (HEERF I, II, III) (a)(1) and (a)(4) Student Aid Portion
- December 31, 2021 Quarterly Public Reporting Requirement for (HEERF I, II, III) (a)(1) and (a)(4) Student Aid Portion
- March 31, 2022 Quarterly Public Reporting Requirement for (HEERF I, II, III) (a)(1) and (a)(4) Student Aid Portion
March 31, 2021
- ARC March 31, 2021 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- CRC March 31, 2021 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- FLC March 31, 2021 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- SCC March 31, 2021 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
December 31, 2020
- ARC December 31, 2020 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- CRC December 31, 2020 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- FLC December 31, 2020 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- SCC December 31, 2020 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
September 30, 2020
- ARC September 30, 2020 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- CRC September 30, 2020 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- FLC September 30, 2020 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
- SCC September 30, 2020 Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act
March 31, 2022
- March 31, 2022 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – 00123200_HEERF_Q12022_04062022.pdf
- March 31, 2022 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – 00753600_HEERF_Q12022_04062022.pdf
- March 31, 2022 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – 03871300_HEERF_Q12022_04062022.pdf
- March 31, 2022 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – 00123300_HEERF_Q12022_04062022.pdf
December 31, 2021 Revised
- December 31, 2021 Revised CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – Revised_03871300_HEERF_Q42021_04282022.pdf
- December 31, 2021 Revised FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – Revised_00753600_HEERF_Q42021_04282022.pdf
December 31, 2021
- December 31, 2021 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – 00123200_HEERF_Q42021_01052022.pdf
- December 31, 2021 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – 03871300_HEERF_Q42021_01052022.pdf
- December 31, 2021 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – 00753600_HEERF_Q42021_01052022.pdf
- December 31, 2021 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and III – 00123300_HEERF_Q42021_01052022.pdf
September 30, 2021
- September 30, 2021 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- September 30, 2021 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- September 30, 2021 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- September 30, 2021 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
June 30, 2021 Revised
- Revised June 30, 2021 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- Revised June 30, 2021 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- Revised June 30, 2021 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- Revised June 30, 2021 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
June 30, 2021
- June 30, 2021 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- June 30, 2021 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- June 30, 2021 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
- June 30, 2021 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for HEERF I, II, and Ill (a)(l) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3)
June 30, 2023 Revised
- June 30, 2023 Revised ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123200_HEERF_Q22023_07102023_Revised
- June 30, 2023 Revised CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00753600_HEERF_Q22023_07102023_Revised
- June 30, 2023 Revised FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 03871300_HEERF_Q22023_07102023_Revised
- June 30, 2023 Revised SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123300_HEERF_Q22023_07102023_Revised
June 30, 2023
- June 30, 2023 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123200_HEERF_Q22023_07102023
- June 30, 2023 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00753600_HEERF_Q22023_07102023
- June 30, 2023 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 03871300_HEERF_Q22023_07102023
- June 30, 2023 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123300_HEERF_Q22023_07102023
March 31, 2023
- March 31, 2023 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123200_HEERF_Q12023_04102023
- March 31, 2023 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00753600_HEERF_Q12023_04102023
- March 31, 2023 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 03871300_HEERF_Q12023_04102023
- March 31, 2023 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123300_HEERF_Q12023_04102023
December 31, 2022
- December 31, 2022 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123200_HEERF_Q42022_01102023
- December 31, 2022 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00753600_HEERF_Q42022_01102023
- December 31, 2022 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 03871300_HEERF_Q42022_01102023
- December 31, 2022 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123300_HEERF_Q42022_01102023
September 30, 2022
- September 30, 2022 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123200_HEERF_Q32022_10102022
- September 30, 2022 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00753600_HEERF_Q32022_10102022
- September 30, 2022 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 03871300_HEERF_Q32022_10102022
- September 30, 2022 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123300_HEERF_Q32022_10102022
June 30, 2022 Revised
- Revised June 30, 2022 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123200_HEERF_Q22022_07102022_Revised
- Revised June 30, 2022 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00753600_HEERF_Q22022_07102022_Revised
- Revised June 30, 2022 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 03871300_HEERF_Q22022_07102022_Revised
- Revised June 30, 2022 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123300_HEERF_Q22022_07102022_Revised
June 30, 2022
- June 30, 2022 ARC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123200_HEERF_Q22022_07102022
- June 30, 2022 CRC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00753600_HEERF_Q22022_07102022
- June 30, 2022 FLC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 03871300_HEERF_Q22022_07102022
- June 30, 2022 SCC Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting for All HEERF I, II, and III Grant Funds – 00123300_HEERF_Q22022_07102022
Questions?
Contact Financial Aid for more information.