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K-State Today Student Edition

May 4, 2020

Financial help through federal CARES Act is available

Submitted by Robert Gamez

Dear students,

Kansas State University is committed to helping those of you who are facing financial challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund through the U.S. Department of Education. K-State will distribute $6,343,277 from this fund among eligible students, which is intended to help students offset expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Expenses that can be considered for CARES Act emergency grant assistance include:

• Technology
• Health care
• Childcare
• Course materials
• Housing/rent
• Food
• Other expenses incurred in the spring 2020 semester as required by the federal act.

The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding prioritizes reaching as many students as possible with the greatest demonstrated need. The Office of Student Financial Assistance will use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, data to determine a student's financial need. Students who have not yet filed a 2019-2020 FAFSA may still do so at studentaid.gov

Under the U.S. Department of Education rules for the program, we may award these funds to students enrolled in at least one in-person class during the spring 2020 term and pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree program at K-State. Students can apply for emergency funds through a short online application. Read more information and determine your eligibility. Students not eligible for CARES Act funding may apply for other emergency funding.

If you have any questions about the CARES Act Emergency Relief Fund, please contact our office at finaid@k-state.edu.

K-State Strong,

Robert Gamez
Director, Office of Student Financial Assistance