Student Emergency Grants

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Postsecondary Student Grants

Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds are still available and are being disbursed by our Financial Aid Department.  Funds will be available until June 30, 2023 or until the money runs out, whichever is first.

The CARES Act, CRRSSA, and ARP allocated Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) funds to Manatee Technical College to be distributed directly to students as emergency financial aid grants to help cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (COVID-19).  These funds were made available to students for emergency financial aid to cover basic needs such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and child care.

Student eligibility was determined according to guidance from the Department of Education which directed the College to place HEERF funds in the hands of as many eligible students as possible and to distribute funds based on the financial needs of students as reported on their FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Student Aid). These funds were expended by June 30, 2022.

As of July 1, 2022, MTC made available HEERF funds for Institutional purposes to continue to assist students with Emergency Financial Needs or Tuition Assistance.

To apply for these funds, students must complete a HEERF application and supply any required supporting documentation.  Please continue reading for more specific information or contact the MTC Financial Aid Department for assistance.

Please note: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance that these grants are not taxable income.  Please refer to  https://www.irs.gov/  for FAQs on the taxation of these funds. Students with questions should seek advice from a qualified tax professional about the tax ramifications of these grants.

What is the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund?

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) was created through federal legislation to support postsecondary institutions, students and their families impacted by the Covid19 pandemic.  Initial funding was provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with subsequent funding provided by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), and the American Rescue Plan (ARP).  According to the Higher Education Emergency Response Unit, funding sources are as follows: CARES Act 19%, CRRSAA 28%, and ARP 53%.

Who is Eligible for HEERF Funds?

Postsecondary students who are or were enrolled on or after March 13, 2020 are eligible for emergency financial aid grants from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).  In awarding emergency financial aid grants to students, priority is given to students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants or postsecondary students with extraordinary financial circumstances.

Beyond Pell eligibility, other types of exceptional need could include students who may be eligible for other federal or state need-based aid or have faced significant unexpected expenses either for themselves or that would affect their financial circumstances, such as the loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.

How do I Apply for a HEERF Grant?

To apply for an emergency grant or tuition assistance, students must complete a HEERF application and submit applicable supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Department to determine eligibility.

How Long Before I Know if I am Awarded a HEERF Grant?

Submitted applications typically take the Financial Aid Department three business days to process, provided information is complete and all applicable supporting documents are attached.  Students will be notified via the student portal if they are being awarded a grant.

How Will I Receive HEERF Funding?

Awarded HEERF funds will be disbursed onto a student’s account within 10 business days.  If the student has requested a tuition assistance grant, these funds will be applied to any charges remaining on a student’s account.  If the student has requested an emergency financial aid grant, a check will be processed, and the student will be notified by Student Finance when the check is available for pickup.

How Much Funding from HEERF will I Get?

The award amount will be based on need and supporting documentation, as well as the amount of available funding.

How is MTC Distributing the HEERF Funding?

MTC follows the guidelines outlined in the federal legislation.

Who Can I Contact if I Have Additional Questions?

If your question is not answered in these FAQs, please contact the Financial Aid Department via email at mtcfinancialaid@manateeschools.net. Emails will be responded to within 48 business hours in the order in which they were received.  Or contact a financial aid specialist in person at the MTC Main Campus.

Who Can I Contact if I Have Additional Questions?

If your question is not answered in these FAQs, please contact the Financial Aid Department via email at mtcfinancialaid@manateeschools.net.
Emails will be responded to within 48 business hours in the order in which they were received.  Or contact a financial aid specialist in person at the MTC Main Campus.

Quarterly Reports: How Funds Have Been Disbursed to Date