CARES Act Emergency Grant Aid for Southeastern College Students FAQs
H.R. 748, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act makes provision for limited grant aid to Southeastern College students who demonstrate emergency financial need directly attributable to the COVID-19 crisis.
A current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) indicating federal aid eligibility must be completed before receiving any SEC CARES Act grant funds. Is it too late to file a FAFSA?
Eligible students may file a FAFSA here.
I am receiving military veteran benefits to study at SEC – must I complete a FAFSA?
SEC students receiving military benefits to pay for their education who have not completed a FAFSA will receive the maximum grant for their enrollment status as part-time or full-time. Those who have completed a FAFSA will be awarded CARES Act grants according to the procedure outlined under “Initial Grants.”
Must I be currently enrolled to receive a CARES Act grant?
Eligible students enrolled (or on a SEC approved leave of absence) on March 13, 2020 will receive an automatic grant. For subsequent Emergency Grants that require an application, students must be enrolled at the time of application.
Do all students qualify for emergency funds under the program?
Not all eligible SEC students enrolled on March 13, 2020 will receive a one-time grant. In order to qualify for this funding, students must have been enrolled as full-time or part-time degree seeking students, or on a College-approved leave of absence, on March 13, 2020. Priority for Initial Grant aid is placed on students with highest economic need as indicated by their EFC. Students with an EFC of greater than $15,000 will not receive an Initial Grant; they may, however, apply for assistance under Emergency Grants I and II.
Are 100% online students eligible to receive grants?
Federal law states that students enrolled 100% online on March 13, 2020 are not eligible to receive CARES Act grants. Students who were not studying 100% online and were required to move fully online on or after March 13, 2020 are eligible to receive CARES Act grants.
Am I guaranteed grant money if I demonstrate a financial emergency related to COVID-19?
No. Southeastern College will attempt to administer funds to as many students as possible, but the amount of funding is finite and will likely not be enough to satisfy demand.
Must I repay any money received through the program?
No. Funds awarded are grants and do not have to be repaid.
How will funds be distributed to students?
Grants will be delivered to students via direct deposit or delivery of a physical check, depending on the method of delivery setup with ECSI.
Will I receive the entire grant in one distribution?
Yes, all grants will be delivered in one distribution.
If I transfer to another college, can my CARES Act grant from Southeastern College transfer with me?
No. All institutions are prohibited from distributing grant money to students of other institutions.
How long will it take before I know the result of my application?
Students will receive email verification, via their Southeastern College email account, of the result of their application within 7 business days of submission.
I am applying to become a Southeastern College student; may I apply for CARES Act aid?
No. Students must be actively enrolled at the time an application is submitted.
Can graduate students apply for CARES Act grants?
Yes, providing they meet eligibility requirements.
Can part-time students apply for CARES Act grants?
Yes, providing they meet eligibility requirements.
Are dollars received through CARES Act grants taxable income?
Recipients should consult their tax advisor for definitive information. Language from the IRS states that the grants will not be taxable income. Guidance from the IRS can be seen here.
Must a student be a USA citizen to apply for CARES Act grants?
Only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants. If a student has filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then the student has demonstrated eligibility to participate in programs under Section 484 the HEA. Students who have not filed a FAFSA but who are eligible to do so should file immediately here.
Must I have a credit balance with the institution to receive this grant?
No. The grant is not indicative of your student account balance or your financial standing with the institution. For updated information regarding your account status, please log into the student portal, contact Financial Aid or, the Bursar’s office at your campus.
Will SEC assess any fee for processing CARES Act grants?
No. 100% of all CARES Act student aid funds will go directly to students.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please contact the Financial Aid department of the campus you are enrolled in with questions.
