HEERF III Student Funding

The 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:

  • Undergraduate students who were enrolled in the spring 2021 term, are currently enrolled (registered) in the fall 2021 term, and have completed a FAFSA
  • Breakdown by expected family contribution level:
    • Pell Eligible - $2,250
    • $5,846-$9,999 - $2,000
    • $10,000-$16,999 - $1,500
    • $17,000-$35,999 - $1,000
    • $36,000 and up - $500
  • Part-time undergraduate students in Group One will receive half of the award amount above

Group Two:

  • $500 block grant to all remaining undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled in spring 2021 and are currently registered for the fall 2021 term
  • Part-time students in Group Two would receive $250 

Group Three:

  • Award to students on a case-by-case basis for documented change in circumstances submitted to the Office of Financial Aid 

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.

View Report (12/31/21)

 

View Report (09/30/21)

 

View Report (06/30/2021)

Other Financial Assistance Options for Students

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 with a $0 estimated family contribution
  • Students who are eligible for federal work study program, even if they are not currently working on or off campus (note that this includes all Pell-eligible students)

Students can apply for SNAP benefits.  

Contact Us

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. 

 

FAQ: Student Emergency Fund

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.

The Emergency Fund is reserved for short-term assistance in emergency situations. Given the nature of the current COVID-19 crisis, requests related to loss of resources and employment due to shutdowns of a number of businesses is the most common emergency situation.

Other examples of emergencies could include (but are not limited to):

  • Apartment or House Fire
  • Death of a Relative / Family Member / Friend / Student or Former Student
  • Life Stressor or Family Emergency Impacting a Student’s Campus Life
  • Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence or Stalking
  • Natural Disaster
  • Injury or Illness
There are a range of incidents that may incur financial hardships. Typical expenses that may be covered include, but are not limited to:
  • Medications/Prescriptions or costs related to medical care
  • Assistance with rent or utilities due to an emergency situation
  • Travel arrangements to attend funeral services
  • Books, fees or other school-related expenses
  • Safety related needs (i.e. changing a lock on vehicle or home)
  • Replacement of personal belongings due to theft, robbery, accidents, fire or natural disaster
  • Vouchers for temporary food assistance
Applicant must be a currently enrolled student at Chatham University and have temporary financial hardship resulting from an emergency situation. Applicants must pursue all other forms of assistance and determine those to be insufficient or unavailable. Applicants must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial hardship. If approved for a loan, a Promissory Note will be required.
Please submit the application through WuFoo at this link. Someone from the Office of Student Affairs will be in touch to confirm receipt and provide follow-up information.
You will receive confirmation of your approval from the Office of Student Affairs. At this time, we will ask you to confirm how you would like to receive the funds. Please monitor your Chatham email after submitting an Emergency Fund request and be responsive to help us process your request quickly.
There are a few options available for disbursement of Emergency Funds. If you are still currently housed on a Chatham campus, we can provide funds to your Cougar Dollars that will allow you to purchase food and groceries from Parkhurst. In most scenarios, funding will be issued as a check mailed to the address you provided on your application. Please carefully check this address for accuracy.
Check requests are processed on a weekly basis. You can expect an average turnaround of 1-2 weeks, depending on whether follow-up information is needed before we can process your request.