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Submit a Question : Checkerboard 1 - Submit a QuestionThe federal and state governments are committed to lessening the financial impact of COVID-19 on students in 2021. This page provides an overview of financial assistance that is available to Chatham students.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) included additional COVID-19 relief for institutions of higher education. This new COVID stimulus bill included $40 billion, available through September 30, 2023, for higher education institutions and students, using the same Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) model established in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Chatham was awarded $1.636 million to be spent on grants directly to students. This funding provides direct financial assistance to students and may be referred as HEERF III. As of March 31, 2021, Chatham University has spent $1,176,375.
At Chatham, funding is available through direct payments to all students who were enrolled during both the spring and fall 2021 terms. Funds will be awarded starting in the month of August. Students may use this funding toward their fall 2021 balance, with written permission by the student. Students who would like to use the funding toward their fall 2021 balance, please contact the office of Financial Aid at financialaid@chatham.edu.
Funds will be automatically awarded according to the following groups:
Group One:
Group Two:
Group Three:
This report details the annual collection of data pertaining to the uses of funds under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEER Fund III). Per Department of Education requirements, this report reflects the institutional portion of the available funds. The report dated December 31, 2021, was the final report as all institutional portion funds were spent as of that date.
Besides HEERF III, there are other ways for students to obtain COVID-19 relief funding that can help you obtain food, healthcare (including mental health), childcare, and other necessities:
Student Emergency Fund
If students do not qualify for a HEERF grant or have additional financial needs, Chatham offers additional assistance through the Student Emergency Fund (SEF). This aid is for limited, short-term, financial assistance when students are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an emergency situation. Some funds are counted as income and are subject to federal taxes. Funds may also be loaned to students with repayment plans less than twelve (12) months in duration to be determined at the time funds are approved.
To apply for emergency funding, please submit the application at this link. Someone from the Office of Student Affairs will be in touch to confirm receipt and provide follow-up information.
Change in Circumstance Filing
In addition, if students have experienced a reduction in income, change to employment, or increase in expenses that directly affect the student’s or family’s income and ability to pay for education, please contact our office today to discuss options for qualifying for more Chatham, federal and/or state aid through a Change in Circumstance filing. Contact Financial Aid at 412-365-2781 or financialaid@chatham.edu.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Pennsylvania has temporarily lowered the requirements for college students to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The basic eligibility guidelines are:
Students can apply for SNAP benefits.
This web page was developed to provide students with instructions, directions, and guidance concerning HEERF III funding and to provide other financial aid alternatives for those students affected by COVID-19. If you need further assistance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 412-365-2781 or financialaid@chatham.edu.
The Chatham University Student Emergency Fund is provided through the generous donations of University students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
This aid is for limited, short-term, financial assistance when students are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an emergency situation. Some funds are counted as income and are subject to federal taxes. Funds may also be loaned to students with repayment plans less than twelve (12) months in duration to be determined at the time funds are approved.
Other examples of emergencies could include (but are not limited to):
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit a question through our question form or e-mail the appropriate department.
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