HEERF III
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III)
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 HEERF III (ARP) – Emergency Student Financial Aid Grant Portion Required Reporting & Disclosure for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 HEERF III (ARP)
The University of Mobile was awarded $3,875,572 from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 HEERF III (ARP, American Rescue Plan) fund.
The ARP provided funds to institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been disrupted by COVID-19, many of whom are facing financial challenges and struggling to make ends meet.
As mandated by the act $1,959,704, of the University’s award has been reserved for student grants.
The first distribution of Emergency Student Financial Aid Grants was distributed to 1,471 eligible students totaling $1,918,730.
Through 12/31/2021, the total amount was awarded to 1,472 students and $1,959,704 in grant funds disbursed.
Eligible students were sent an email with instructions regarding the ARP grant.
Reporting & Disclosure for March 2022
Reporting & Disclosure for December 2021
Reporting & Disclosure for September 2021
Reporting & Disclosure for June 2021
HEERF FAQs
Who is eligible to receive the ARP Grants?
Department of Education guidance instructs institutions to prioritize funding to students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants or are undergraduates with extraordinary financial circumstances, in awarding emergency financial aid grants to students.
What are the types of expenses that can be covered by HEERF III funding?
Eligible expenses for HEERF III funding include tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), course materials, technology, healthcare, and childcare expenses.
Will HEERF III Grants funds impact current or future financial aid?
No. This funding is not financial aid; it is an emergency relief funding from Congress.
When will I know if I am to receive money?
Eligible students will be contacted through their Rams Mail email by Financial Aid. Refer to the chart to determine the amount you will receive.
How much grant will I receive?
| EFC-Estimated Family Contribution based on FAFSA results |
Approximate Dollar Amount per student |
| 0 | $2,050.00 |
| 1 to 5712 | $2,030.00 |
| 5713 to 10000 | $1,720.00 |
| 10001 to 20000 | $800.00 |
| 20001 and above | $500.00 |
| None FAFSA filers | $500.00 |
| International Students | $500.00 |
How do I received these funds once I know I’m eligible?
If you have not already set up a direct deposit, go to https://umportal.umobile.edu/ICS/Finance/Forms/SetupChange_Direct_Deposit.jnz to set up your direct deposit information no later than June 11. Your grant will be deposited directly into your account between June 14 through July 1.
If you do not have a checking account to receive direct deposit, please make sure to verify your address by logging in to MyUM https://umportal.umobile.edu/ics:
Click on your picture in the upper right hand corner
Choose My profile and Settings
Choose Contact Information
Choose Addresses
If you need to update your address go to: MyUM > Office> Registrar’s Office > Forms > Change of Address Form.
Complete the form, save to your desktop and then email it to registrarsoffice@umobile.edu.
How can I use this grant?
UM Cares funds are provided to assist with expenses incurred due to COVID-19. If you choose to use these funds toward UM tuition and/or fees, you may do so at https://umobile.afford.com/.
I have a balance at the University of Mobile. Will this grant be applied toward my balance?
No, your grant will be deposited directly to your bank account, even if you have a balance. Please check your Student Account Portal for up-to-date balance information. If you would like to use your grant to pay your current balance or tuition/fees, you may do so at https://umobile.afford.com/.
How did UM develop the eligibility criteria?
The university followed guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Are International students eligible to receive HEERF III funds?
Yes, refer to the question “ How much grant will I receive” to determine the amount.
Whom do I contact with questions?
Financial Aid at askfinancialaid@umobile.edu or 251.442.2222 or 1.800.WIN.RAMS.
Can I dispute my amount allocated?
No, the allocation is determined by a student’s Estimated Family Contribution based on the 2020-2021 FAFSA and U.S. Department of Education guidelines.
Is the HEERF III funding taxable?
No. This grant is not included in your gross income.
Unemployment Appeals for Financial Aid
A provision included in the American Rescue Plan requires institutions receiving aid from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) to make financial aid applicants aware of the opportunity to receive a financial aid adjustment due to the recent unemployment of a family member, or themselves. Students facing this situation may complete the Special Circumstance request for Professional Judgment. These requests are reviewed by a University of Mobile Financial Aid Administrator. Students seeking a review of FAFSA information must complete the appropriate form.
NOTE: This form must be filled out completely and the student must provide third-party unrelated professional documentation to support the request. Documentation for unemployment would include documents such as termination notice and a notice of unemployment benefits. Once the Financial Aid Administrator receives a completed application and documentation, requests are typically reviewed and a decision made within 5 to 7 business days. Students are notified by the Financial Aid Administrator of the decision. Filing of the request does not guarantee a change in the FAFSA results.
If students believe they qualify for a Professional Judgment, or if they have questions or need additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 251.442.2593 or 1.800.WIN.RAMS to discuss their situation.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, temporarily expands SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility to include students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education, who either:
1. Are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year, as determined by the institution of higher education, or
2.Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year.
Beginning on Jan. 16, 2021, students who meet one of the two criteria outlined above may receive SNAP if they meet all other financial and non-financial SNAP eligibility criteria. The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. FNS will update this webpage when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.
https://ifap.ed.gov/electronic-announcements/022321SNAPbenefitseligiblestudsCOVID19pandemic
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