CARES Act

In compliance with the Department of Education’s CARES Act reporting requirements, the CARES Act Report is available.

In May 2020, the Board of Regents approved distribution principles for the student portion of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which includes the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. It is a resource for students who have encountered unforeseen expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).

Eligibility

  • Enrollment as a degree-seeking student at the University of Minnesota in spring 2020;
  • Enrollment in at least one in-person class as of March 13th, 2020 (prior to the coronavirus pandemic);
  • Completed a 2019-2020 FAFSA and eligible for Title IV financial aid; and
  • Completed a CARES Act application

Funds will be distributed to undergraduate students based on their 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the information submitted on their CARES Act application. A portion of the CARES Act has been set aside for students as emergency funding.

Types of expenses covered

All covered expenses must be related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Housing (rent, mortgage, utilities, housing fees, or other living expenses)
  • Food (groceries, restaurant, food delivery, take out food services, or other meal expenses)
  • Course materials (books, supplies, lab equipment, or other course material expenses)
  • Technology (computer, internet, cell phone data plan, printer, scanner, or other remote technology expenses)
  • Health care (medical, counseling, prescriptions, equipment/supplies, or other health related expenses)
  • Dependent or immediate family care (day care, baby sitting, at home care, care for elderly parents, or other dependent related expenses)
  • Other (tutoring, unanticipated academic/living situations, or other educational expenses)

Types of expenses not covered

Expenses that are not related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) are not covered by the fund. 

  • Tuition and fees
  • Study abroad costs

CARES Act application

Eligible students must apply using the CARES Act application (Note: Google Chrome is the preferred browser for the application). Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to the limited amount of funds. Priority will be given to students who apply before June 12, 2020. To apply:

  • Students must fill out and submit the form
  • Students are only allowed to make a one-time request as these funds are limited

These funds will be delivered within 10-14 days through your student account, so make sure your Direct Deposit information and mailing address are up to date. Students are also encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit as it’s the fastest and most secure way to receive these funds.