Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) HEERF ll Grant

Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Emergency Grants

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II provides emergency funding to universities to assist students during the coronavirus pandemic.  In 2020, similar funding was known as CARES Act Funding.

Minot State has received HEERF II funding and will be disbursing grants ranging from $240 to $840 to eligible students to cover expenses related to the cost of attendance (such as food, housing, health insurance including mental health care, transportation or childcare) or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus.

U.S. Department of Education CRRSAA Guidance
Unlike the CARES Act, the CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants, in awarding financial aid grants to students.  The CRRSAA also allows grants to students exclusively enrolled in distance education.  At this time, the Department of Education has not confirmed the eligibility of DACA, undocumented, and international students.

Minot State University CRRSAA: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) Distribution Report

Minot State University CRRSAA: Higher Educatiuon Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) Distribution Report - FINAL

 Eligible students must meet these requirements:

  • Be a US Citizen or Eligible Noncitizen (Permanent Resident)
  • Complete the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have an EFC of 22000 or less
  • Be enrolled in a degree program
  • Be enrolled in Spring 2021 at least half-time (6 credits for undergraduates; 5 credits for graduates)
  • Must submit the CRRSAA HEERF II Grant application

 The Minot State HEERF II Emergency Grant Request Form is no longer accepting applications.

Minot State will review all applications submitted by March 29 and will disburse funds to eligible students beginning on March 31, 2021. 

Students may choose on the application form whether to allow Minot State to apply the grant to outstanding charges on their student account. 

CRRSAA HEERF II funds (or excess funds if students choose to have the funds applied to their student account balance) will be disbursed to students via Direct Deposit if they are enrolled for Direct Deposit of excess financial aid in Campus Connection or via check mailed to the home address listed in Campus Connection if not signed up for direct deposit.

Recipients will also be able to view their award in Campus Connection under the 2020-2021 Financial Aid tile.

Grant amounts were finalized on March 31, 2021 after all applications were received from students.  Minot State’s model for distribution is outlined below and is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated for each student based on their completed 2020-21 FAFSA and their spring 2021 enrollment status as of March 22, 2021.

Full Time Half to Three-quarter time
EFC of 0-6300 $840 $440
EFC of 6301-10500 $640 $340
EFC of 10501-22000 $440 $240

Grants will begin disbursing on Wednesday, March 31. Checks will be mailed beginning on March 31. Grants issued by direct deposit may take up to three business days to appear in your account. 

On June 29, 2021, 18 of the CRRSAA recipients who were enrolled for summer with unpaid balances and EFCs of 0-6300 received an additional $249 or $250 disbursement.