Susquehanna University distributed all CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds – Student Aid on May 12, 2020. All disbursements were made following the guidelines, FAQs, and regulatory requirements outlines in the CARES Act and U.S. Department of Education communications as of May 12, 2020.
CARES Act Emergency Grants For Students FAQS
Who is eligible for a Federal CRRSSA Emergency Student Grant?
Student eligibility for the CRRSAA emergency student grants was determined by Susquehanna University based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education. The CRSSAA requires institutions to prioritize grants to students with exceptional financial need, such as those who receive Pell Grants. To comply with the Department’s guidance and ensure an equitable awarding structure consistent with the institution’s CARES Act methodology last year, Susquehanna is requiring full-time undergraduate student recipients to have an eligible Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file as of February 11, 2021. This criteria includes but is not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); and a high school diploma, GED or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.
Additionally, you are not eligible for the CRRSAA Emergency Student Grant if:
- You have not filed a valid FAFSA with Susquehanna by February 11, 2021. The completed, eligible FAFSA demonstrates the student’s Title IV eligibility and provides the necessary information to determine the grant distributions to students with the greatest demonstrated need.
- You have an ineligible FAFSA on file with Susquehanna (incomplete verification or other unfulfilled eligibility requirement denoted above) as of February 11, 2021; or
- You are a student ineligible to complete the FAFSA.
EFC Cohort |
CARES Grant Amount |
Eligible Students |
Grand Total CARES Grant |
% of Total Allocation |
% of Total Eligible Students |
$0 - $1,000 |
$1,280 |
305 |
$390,400 |
35.6% |
16.2% |
$1,001 - $5,711 |
$1,100 |
250 |
$275,000 |
25.1% |
13.3% |
$5,712 - $12,000 |
$650 |
263 |
$170,950 |
15.6% |
14.0% |
$12,001 - $20,000 |
$401 |
231 |
$92,631 |
8.5% |
12.3% |
$20,001 + |
$201 |
831 |
$167,031 |
15.2% |
44.2% |
Grand Total |
|
1880 |
$1,096,012 |
100% |
100% |
Do I have to apply for the CRRSSA Emergency Student Grant?
No. Students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid and who have the greatest financial need according to the 2020-21 FAFSA will receive emergency student aid grants. Eligible students received an email denoting their eligibility on February 17, 2021.
What kind of expenses can I use this grant for?
Funds can be used for tuition, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and childcare that arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How will I receive my CRRSSA Emergency Student Grant?
For students who have signed up for direct deposit on myNest, funding will be sent to the student’s financial institution via an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). For students who have not enrolled in direct deposit, checks will be mailed via USPS to their current address on file with the university.
How do I sign up for Direct Deposit?
Visit myNest > Student Profile > Shortcuts > Direct Deposit. Complete the information and hit “Submit”. Please submit your direct deposit information no later than Monday, February 22. Given the timing and urgency to disburse these funds to you, we may not be able to accommodate all electronic requests.
If I receive a grant and have an outstanding balance, will the funds be applied to those charges?
No. These funds will be sent directly to you regardless of your account standing but they can be utilized to pay an outstanding balance on your student account.
Will the CRRSSA Emergency Grant impact my financial aid award at Susquehanna?
No. These funds do not impact your current award package now or any future financial aid awarded. Please note this is a one-time grant.
Is Susquehanna reserving any CARES Act emergency student grant funds for use at a later time?
No. Susquehanna is disbursing all the funds associated with CRRSAA emergency student grant funds now to address the pressing financial need of eligible students because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Susquehanna is committed to assisting you now and in the future. The University has also created a Student Care Fund, supported by private donations, to support a broader range of students with demonstrated financial need, including international students and others who are not eligible to receive CRRSAA funds. Please contact VPStudentLife@susqu.edu for questions related to the Student Care Fund.
Do I have to repay a CRRSAA Emergency Student Grant?
No. These are grant funds and do not require repayment.
Do I need to report the CRRSAA emergency student grant on my federal tax return?
No. These one-time grants are qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code. A CRRSAA emergency student grant should not be included in your gross income. Also, you cannot claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant. For more information, visit the IRS website.