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The CARES Act
What is the CARES Act?
The CARES Act Emergency Relief Grand Fund provides emergency financial aid assistance to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus as stipulated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law March 27, 2020. Awards will be distributed to eligible Western Area Career & Technology Center students based on need as determined by the 2019-20 FAFSA with an emphasis on providing additional support to the neediest population.
Who is eligible for the federal CARES grant?
According to current federal policy, any student who is eligible for federal Title IV funding, and was not exclusively an online student prior to the pandemic is eligible for CARES funds. We will verify Title IV eligibility as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must have completed the 2019-20 FAFSA to be considered. Students that have not completed the FAFSA have been notified they have until June 24, 2020 to complete the FAFSA.
Federal regulations require schools to confirm that a student receiving any CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Grant meets the following requirements:
- Is a US citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Has a valid Social Security number
- Is registered with Selective Service, if you’re a male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25)
- Is not in default on a federal loan
- Does not owe money on a federal student grant
- Is a currently enrolled student
Does the CARES Act provide grants for students?
Yes. The act provides funding for students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester who incurred educational expenses related to the disruption of campus operations. Western Area Career & Technology Center received $61,886.00 million in CARES emergency assistance grants to be allocated to eligible students.
Student Loan Information
For federal education loans, the CARES Act provides relief for federal student loan borrowers. A temporary interest rate of 0% on most federal loans is in effect from March 13, 2020 to January 31, 2022 that temporarily suspends monthly payments.
For questions on your federal loans please contact your servicer. Additional information can be found at https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/covid-19