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American Rescue Plan (HEERF III) FAQs

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is the ARP/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III)?

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. This ARP (a)(#) funding is referred to as Supplemental Support under American Rescue PLan (SSARP).

SSARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
When will HEERF III funding be available?

A portion of HEERF III funds was distributed to a limited population in July 2021. Students with eligibility should receive funding in December 2021.
Am I eligible to receive HEERF III funds? How can I check if I am eligible?

Funds will be prioritized based on financial need as derived from the federal aid application process. Eligibility is based on financial need using this formula: cost of attendance (used for financial aid purposes) minus FAFSA derived EFC = financial need. 2021 - 2022 FAFSA filers with at least 1 credit hour for fall 2021 as of November 18, 2021, were considered for eligibility. Funds will be distributed in the following manner.

  • Federal Pell Grant recipients $1595
  • Applicants with financial need $1100
  • Applicants without financial need $500

Eligible students will be notified via W&M email in December 2021.
How was the disbursement plan formulated?

In an effort to distribute emergency grants following federal guidance, W&M will allocate its HEERF III funding in tiered distributions based on financial need as derived from the FAFSA. A committee comprised of campus officials contributed to the various emergency funding plans.

William & Mary recognizes that the novel coronavirus pandemic may have created financial distress for students who did not have demonstrated financial need in the current school year. Students who did not have financial need in the 2021-2022 academic year may become eligible for Federal, State or Institutional aid this academic year as a result of changes to their financial circumstances.
Why didn't I receive HEERF III funds?

Students were prioritized based on financial need as derived from the 2021 - 2022 FAFSA application process. Student FAFSA data received as of November 18, 2021 was utilized to determine the funding plan.
Who should I contact about my eligibility for HEERF III funds?

Questions may be directed to [[aid, Student Financial Aid]].
If I did not qualify to receive HEERF III funds, are there other emergency relief funds available?

Students who did not meet the criteria for HEERF III emergency funds may be eligible for support via private dollars raised for that purpose. Students may appeal to the Dean of Student's office for Health Emergency and Resources for the Tribe (HEART) Fund consideration. Eligible categories for funding from the HEART Fund are food, transportation, lodging, healthcare and medications, and educational expenses.
Will HEERF III funds be applied to students' outstanding balances?

This option will be available with HEERF III funding. Eligible students will be given the opportunity to have this funding applied to their outstanding balance in December 2021. Students who do not respond to this email prompt will have funds directly distributed to them via direct deposit or physical check.
How will I receive HEERF III funds?

Funds will be applied to the student's W&M account in December 2021 and then refunded if the student does not opt to have the funds applied to an outstanding balance.
How do I sign up for direct deposit?

Visit the refunds page in Financial Operations for instructions.
Can my HEERF III funds roll over to future semesters?

No.
Are HEERF III funds taxable?

According to IRS guidelines, emergency payments to students are not taxable. Under current guidance, however, they are reportable on the 1098-T if applied directly to the outstanding balance.