March 24, 2021
Dear Reed students,
Reed College has received funding through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). The student portion of this funding will be used to provide direct payments to eligible students to assist with any component of their cost of attendance, emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus—such as tuition, food, housing, and health (including mental health) care—or both.
Eligibility for this funding is limited to students who are eligible to receive Title IV federal aid, which is determined through completion of the FAFSA. Guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive a Federal Pell Grant.
To equitably distribute HEERF II funds to students, payments will be allocated in two ways:
1. Automatic direct payment
Direct payment will be made to eligible enrolled students who are currently receiving Federal Pell Grant funds, need-based Reed grant funds, or both:
- Federal Pell Grant recipients will receive an automatic payment of $1,200.
- All other need-based Reed grant aid recipients will receive an automatic payment of $600.
Within the next few days, the financial aid office will notify students who meet the automatic payment criteria. Students will be required to electronically acknowledge acceptance of these funds. Receipts or other documentation will not be required.
2. Application process
- Students who 1) meet the federal eligibility requirements but do not currently receive Federal Pell Grant funds or need-based Reed grant funds and 2) are experiencing financial hardship may apply for HEERF II assistance through the Reed Emergency Fund application process. Documentation will be required.
- Students who 1) do not meet the federal eligibility requirements (international, DACA, and undocumented students) and 2) are experiencing financial hardship are not eligible for HEERF II assistance but may apply for Reed funding through the Reed Emergency Fund application process. Documentation will be required.
- Students who 1) qualify for the automatic direct payment AND 2) have expenses in excess of the amount of the direct payment may apply for Reed funding through the Reed Emergency Fund application process. Documentation will be required.
HEERF II funds are not considered financial aid and do not affect students’ current or future financial aid eligibility. These funds are also not treated as income for student aid purposes.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
Best regards,
Sandy Sundstrom
Director of Financial Aid