Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)

South Plains College has received federal funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) in accordance with the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA).  CRRSAA provides assistance for student expenses related to the continued disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.  Students can request funds in these categories:

  • Tuition & Fees (for the current term; may have Federal tax implications)
  • Child Care
  • Food Assistance
  • Housing Assistance
  • Medical Care (including mental health)
  • Transportation
  • Additional Course Materials (textbooks, access codes, etc.)
  • Technology Assistance (computers, internet, etc.)
  • Other Expenses (Expenses that do not fit in above categories)

 How do I apply?

 

CRRSAA funds require an application.  The application can be found here.   

 Am I eligible?

  • You MAY be eligible for CRRSAA funding if you are enrolled in the Spring 2021 terms (16 week and 8 week).
  • You are eligible to fill out a FAFSA due to Title IV eligibility.
  • You are in good academic standing with South Plains College.
  • International, dual credit, non-U.S. citizen students not eligible for CRRSAA funding.

 CRRSAA Frequently Asked Questions:

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Learn More

 

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplement Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.

 

CRRSAA includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) that provides an additional $21.2 billion in emergency funding to higher education. Of those funds, more than $6 billion must go directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants (HEERF II-student share) for expenses related to the to the COVID-19 crisis.

 

South Plains College will receive funds that will be provided directly to students for their expenses related to the coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health and mental care, child-care, and payment of current term tuition and fees. The other part of the allocation may be used by the college to cover costs associated with significant changes in operations due to the coronavirus.

 We are committed to assisting all eligible students that may have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to the greatest extent possible with the CRRSAA funds available. The actual amount each student will receive is based on the number of applications received and the funds available.  Students will be served on a first come, first served basis with priority given to those students with the greatest need.  Awards will be based on your needs as identified on an application, but typically under $2,000.  Students are encouraged to provide receipts for items to help justify the expenses.

Students will receive payment by direct deposit.  Any student applying for CRRSAA grant assistance must ensure their direct deposit designation in Texan Connect is accurate.  If a student does not have a direct deposit designation a check will be mailed out.  It will take longer for the student to receive funds if they do not have a direct deposit designation.

 No, you will not need to repay any money received through this fund.  At this time, it is uncertain how CRRSAA funds will noted on the 2021 IRS Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement) and the implications on filing of the 2021 Federal taxes.

 No. This is an emergency grant to help you manage unexpected expenses related to the coronavirus, and it will not have any impact on other financial aid you have or may be eligible to receive.

 Any CRRSAA funding awarded may be applied to your current account.  However, it cannot be used to cover previous term outstanding balances.  It is important to note that it is uncertain how CRRSAA funds will be reported for the 2021 Federal taxes including how it may be included in your 2021 IRS Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement).  

Per the IRS, these funds are not taxable; however, this also means that no deduction or credit can be claimed on them.  Also, it is uncertain the impact of reporting of funds that are applied to your account to cover tuition and fees.  There could be implications in reporting on the 2021 IRS Form 1098-T (Tuition Statement).

Read the Student Memo sent on February 8, 2021.

 

Have questions or need assistance?  Our staff is here to help.

Financial Aid:    finaid@southplainscollege.edu

Scholarships:  scholarships@southplainscollege.edu

Advising:  advising@southplainscollege.edu