Note: These FAQs are based on guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education on April 23, 2020. Should the federal government issue further changes, WVU will update the FAQs and notify students and families as soon as possible.

1. Who qualifies for emergency financial assistance?

The emergency financial assistance provided as part of the federal CARES Act is intended to help students with financial need for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. According to federal regulations, students in the situation above must also be eligible for Title IV aid to receive the emergency funds. This means students must:

• Have a 2019-2020 FAFSA on file
• Be an eligible citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Be registered with Selective Service (if born male)
• Not be in default on a prior student loan or owe a grant overpayment
• Not have a state or federal conviction of possessing or selling drugs during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving any Title IV grant, loan, or work assistance.
• Be enrolled at least half-time (Pell-eligible students who are less than half-time may still be considered)
• Be admitted as a regular, degree-seeking student
• Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress

Additionally, the Department of Education has determined that a student is not eligible if they were enrolled in programs that were exclusively online even before COVID-19 closures. Students who withdrew from the Spring 2020 semester prior to March 13 are also not eligible. 

However, students who received additional assistance from the University and/or a reduction in charges for spring for their residence hall room, dining plan, or University apartment April rent are now eligible for the additional financial assistance, assuming they are also Title IV eligible. Please note that due to limited financial resources and volume of need, some applications may not be approved.

2. If I did not yet complete a 2019-2020 FAFSA but still wish to apply for the emergency grant, can I still submit a FAFSA?

Yes, you may still complete a FAFSA to be considered. Please visit the Federal Student Aid website or download the myStudentAid app via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

3. I am a graduate or a professional student. Am I eligible to apply for the spring emergency grant?

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria above.

4. I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply for the spring emergency grant?

Unfortunately, due to newly imposed restrictions by the U.S. Department of Education, most international students are ineligible for this aid. Students must have Title IV aid eligibility to be considered.

5. How much emergency grant could I receive?

If you meet eligibility criteria and your request is approved, you may receive an emergency cash grant of up to $750 for the Spring 2020 semester to assist with need due to COVID-19’s disruption to campus. Students who are eligible for the Pell Grant may receive up to $1,000 for the Spring 2020 semester.

6. Will it apply to the balance due on my account?

No, this emergency financial assistance from the CARES Act will not apply to any outstanding balances. If eligible and approved, you will receive an emergency grant. The goal is to get this grant into students’ hands as quickly as possible to use for immediate needs and expenses. It is your choice if you would like to use your emergency grant to make a payment on your balance due, if applicable.

7. How do I apply for the emergency grant?

You can apply via our online application. Before applying, please see the “Who qualifies for emergency financial assistance?” section to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

8. If eligible to apply and approved, when will I receive my emergency grant?

Assuming you apply in the very near future, we expect the emergency financial assistance to be received within two weeks of the application date. The quickest and most efficient method to receive your emergency financial assistance is direct deposit. This timeline will allow us to calculate amounts and give students time to verify their profile in the TMS Refund Portal.

If you have not updated your TMS Refund Portal student account refund profile, please do so by Friday, May 1. If your refund profile is not established, the University will mail your emergency financial assistance to you. Please ensure the mailing address in your TMS Refund Portal account is updated by Friday, May 1, if a mailed check is preferred.

9. What is the deadline to apply for emergency financial assistance for the spring?

There is no deadline. However, the University does not have unlimited funds from the CARES Act and students should apply as soon as possible.

10. Will there be additional emergency financial assistance available for summer or fall?

The University is still working through the details of emergency financial assistance and support for summer and fall. More information will be provided at a later date.