Introduction to the CARES Act

The CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant Fund provides emergency financial aid assistance to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus as stipulated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act was signed into law March 27, 2020. Awards were distributed to eligible Platt College students who completed a 2019-20 or 2020-2021 FAFSA and who had taken at least one on ground course during the March to June quarter 2020. 

Who is eligible for the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant Fund and how has eligibity been determined?

Federal regulations require schools to confirm that a student receiving any CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Grant meets the following requirements after completing a FAFSA: 
     • Is a US Citizen or an eligible noncitizen
     • Has a valid Social Security number
     • Is registered with Selective Service, if you’re a male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25)
     • Is not in default on a federal student loan
     • Does not owe money on a federal student grant
     • Is a currently enrolled student

What is the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant Fund money to be used for by students?

Eligible expenses are defined by the Department of Education as those related directly to the disruption of campus operations. Those expenses are:

• Housing (rent, utilities)
• Food (groceries, other meal expenses)
• Technology (computer, phone, internet access, other remote access needs)
• Healthcare (medical, counseling, other healthcare related expenses)
• Childcare (babysitting, daycare, other dependent care costs)
• Course material (books, access codes, supplies, lab equipment)
• Other expenses (tutoring, unexpected living/academic situations or expenses)

The Department of Education has clearly stated that all CARES Act grants must be delivered directly to students. The College is unable to apply any of these funds toward a student’s outstanding balance.

How much will eligible Platt College students receive in the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?

The CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant is one-time funding divided between eligible students based on the percentage of enrollment. To date, Platt College received $206,076 in funding to use for student relief to mitigate the disruption caused by COVID-19. Funding for eligible students will be distributed equally amongst the population of 220 eligible students with additional funds added by Platt College per student: $1,000. 

When will eligible students receive the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?

The distribution of funds to eligible students will begin the week of May 18, 2020. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have not received funding by May 27, 2020, please contact the financial aid department at [email protected].  In the meantime, verify that your mailing address is accurate in the Platt College student portal.

What do I need to do to receive my portion of the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?

You must have completed or had a 2019-20 or 2020-2021 FAFSA on file with Platt College on or before May 7, 2020 and you must complete and sign The Cares Act Acknowledgement Form prior to your funds being mailed to students' addressed on file.  

If I had to withdraw during the March to June quarter, do I need to return the CARES Act money?

No, the CARES Act funding is intended to provide one-time relief funding to mitigate the disruption caused by COVID-19.