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.

Yes. This is another relief fund in recognition of the ongoing financial hardship caused by COVID-19.

Loyola received $4,032,953 to distribute to students.

All students who were enrolled at Loyola in the Spring 2021 semester are eligible for these funds if they demonstrate exceptional need. This includes citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, other DREAMers, and similar undocumented students. International students may also receive HEERF III funds. 

Eligible students should have received an email notification with information about how to apply for your grant. If you believe you are eligible and did not receive the email notification, please contact Student Financial Services at sfscenter@loyno.edu.

Students who filed a FAFSA for the 2020 – 2021 academic year and who were eligible for Pell Grants will automatically receive $1,000. All other students who demonstrate need will receive $800.

After affirming eligibility, Loyola will apply grants directly to student accounts, either recognizing it as a credit against balances owed or paid in the form of a direct deposit (if set up) or sending a paper check by U.S. mail to the address on file with the university.

Yes. Students enrolled exclusively in online programs are eligible, provided that they can demonstrate exceptional need.

Yes. International students who were enrolled at Loyola in Spring 2021 are eligible, provided that they can demonstrate exceptional need.

No. If you did not receive a Pell Grant, you can still demonstrate exceptional need and qualify for $800.

Yes. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 stimulus payments are separate from the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund. 

Yes, you may choose to have the grant applied to your existing Loyola balance or to receive a refund.

Yes, this grant can sit as a credit in your student account to be applied toward your next bill.

Students who request and are approved for emergency relief will have funds posted to their account or a refund generated within 10 – 15 business days of approval.

When you submit your application, you will receive an email confirming your application and noting that you will receive your funds within 10 – 15 business days of approval. Students whose requests are denied will be notified by email with instructions about the appeal process.

No. HEERF III grants do not affect your financial aid package.

Yes. We have allocated our disbursement so that all students who are eligible will receive grants. If funds go unclaimed, university leadership will convene to determine a distribution and/or appeal process for the unclaimed funds.

Students who receive Pell Grants automatically qualify. Other types of exceptional need include significant unexpected expenses, such as the loss of a job (either by the student or their families), reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.

Yes, you will choose between a refund or a credit to your student account.

You do not. Other than filling out the form in LORA, you do not have to provide anything to Loyola.

 No. This emergency grant will not be included in your gross income.

Yes, and thank you. If you do not claim your grant, the money will remain in the fund to provide additional assistance to other Loyola students beyond their initial HEERF III grant.