CARES Act – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal CARES Act?

The Federal Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides a variety of financial supports to individuals. These funds are provided to help individuals cover expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, child care, and the cost of attendance. Crowder College is committed to distributing these funds directly to students experiencing financial challenges because of the COVID-19 outbreak as quickly as possible.

Who is eligible to receive CARES Act funds?  Who gets the money?

Crowder College, following all guidance from the federal Department of Education, is distributing funds to eligible, qualifying students. To qualify a student:

• must be a degree-seeking student enrolled in at least one credit hour on September 21, 2020.
• must be enrolled in at least one class which was originally scheduled to be offered on-ground on September 21, 2020 (can’t be enrolled exclusively online on September 21, 2020.)
• must be eligible for federal Title IV financial aid by having a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file
• must be eligible under Section 484 of the Title IV Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (eligible to receive funds such as a Pell grant or eligible to take out a student loan)

Am I eligible to receive CARES Act funds if I am not making satisfactory academic progress (SAP)?

No. Federal guidance from the Department of Education states that a student must be eligible for Title IV federal financial aid and students who are not making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) are not eligible for CARES Act funds.

I am a student who is exclusively enrolled in only online courses this semester. Am I eligible to receive CARES Act funds?

No. Federal guidance from the Department of Education states that a student who is exclusively enrolled in all on-line courses is not eligible for CARES Act funds because there is not a disruption for a student who originally planned to attend all online courses.

I’m enrolled this fall as a dual credit/dual enrollment student. Am I eligible to receive CARES Act funds?

No. Federal guidance from the Department of Education states that a dual credit or dual enrollment student is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid and is not eligible for CARES Act funds.

I’m an international student.  Am I eligible to receive CARES Act funds?

No. Federal guidance from the Department of Education states that an international student is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid and is not eligible for CARES Act funds.

I’m a Deferred Action Against Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student.  Am I eligible to receive CARES Act funds?

No. Federal guidance from the Department of Education states that a DACA student is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid and is not eligible for CARES Act funds.

If I previously received CARES Act funding, am I eligible to receive this funding as well?

Yes. Based on the criteria provided above, any student eligible for CARES Act may apply. These funds will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all funds have been disbursed. As of September 23, 2020 all funds have been applied for and applications have been closed.

I have a fall bill and haven’t paid it yet.  Is the money going to be applied to my student account balance?

No. Federal guidance from the Department of Education states that the funds should be distributed directly to students. If you wish to make a payment on your college bill, you will need to make a payment to Crowder College once you receive your CARES Act funds.

Can I use the CARES Act funds to pay off my Crowder bill?

Yes.  A student can use CARES Act funds to pay their bill.  The CARES Act states that a student can use these funds to pay for the costs of attending Crowder College.

How much will I get if I’m eligible?

Under the second distribution of Cares Act funding, Crowder College will award qualified students $500.00 on a first come, first served basis until all funds have been disbursed.

How will students get money?

The funds will be processed and distributed to student by Crowder College through BankMobile Disbursements. These funds will be distributed by Bankmobile based on your refund preference you have already established this semester.  Once you receive the funds you may find more information about BankMobile at: https://bankmobiledisbursements.com/how-it-works/.  For additional information about establishing your refund preference, please contact the Crowder College Cashier’s Office at 417.455.5464 or 417.455.5598.

When will students get the money?

Crowder is committed to distributing the funds as quickly as possible. The timeframe may depend on the refund preference you have established through BankMobile. Funds will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all funds have been dispersed.

Will I have to pay back the CARES Act funds I receive?

No. The CARES Act is providing emergency grants (free money) to students to help cover expenses related to food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, child care, and the cost of attendance who have also experienced financial challenges and disruptions related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Is the CARES Act money a part of the federal financial aid I receive each semester? Is it considered part of my Pell grant?

These funds are not part of your Crowder financial aid award and is not considered part of your Pell grant.

Is the CARES Act money considered taxable income?

The federal Department of Education has not yet determined if the CARES Act funds are considered taxable income.

Will I receive a 1098-T after getting CARES Act money?

The federal Department of Education has not yet determined if you will be issued a 1098-T if you received CARES Act funds.  A form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, is used to help figure education credits (and a tuition and fees deduction) for qualified tuition and related expenses paid during a tax year.

If I have questions about the CARES Act that aren’t addressed here, who should I call?

You may contact the Financial Aid office at 417.455.5419 for any other questions regarding the CARES Act.