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CARES Act Reporting

Last Updated: Oct. 28, 2021

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump on March 27, 2020. This bill allotted $2.2 trillion to provide fast and direct economic aid to the American people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that money, approximately $14 billion was given to the Office of Postsecondary Education as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF.

The University of Idaho submitted a Funding Certification and Agreement under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund in April 2020. Pursuant to this agreement, the University assures that no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act are being used to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

In April 2020, the University of Idaho received a total grant award of $6,905,296, of which $3,452,648 has been made available for student emergency aid.

The remaining $3,452,648 is available to the University to offset institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.

On December 27, 2020 Congress passed and the President signed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), which provides an additional $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The University of Idaho received a supplemental award of $11,786,287 on January 18, 2021, of which $3,452,648 is available for student emergency aid. The remaining $8,333,639 has been added to the original award of $3,452,647 for a total of $11,786,286 available to offset institutional costs and recover lost revenues directly related to the coronavirus pandemic. The March 31, 2021 HEERF report below reflects the updated institutional portion award.

This page has been established to comply with the public reporting requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education for these federal grant funds.

Student Funding

  • The total amount of HEERF III funds we received that will be awarded to students:
    • $10,502,155
  • The total amount of HEERF III funds that have been distributed to students:
    • $10,502,155
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds:
    • 10,734
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Summer Awarding - we used the Pitman Fund application to identify a student to whom to award HEERF III funds.
    • Fall Awarding - Guidelines:
      • Enrolled during the fall semester
      • Priority will be given to needy students as determined by the FAFSA and the student’s EFC and enrollment
      • HEERF III guidelines encourage us to prioritize needy and domestic students. To further this goal, the following populations are outside of the awarding population:
        • Dual-credit enrollment students
        • Fully-sponsored international students
        • U of I employees who benefit from employee fee waivers for benefits.
    • Spring Awarding - Guidelines:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Priority will be given to needy students as determined by the FAFSA and the student’s EFC and enrollment
      • HEERF III guidelines encourage us to prioritize needy and domestic students. To further this goal, the following populations are outside of the awarding population:
        • Dual-credit enrollment students
        • Fully-sponsored international students
        • U of I employees who benefit from employee fee waivers for benefits.
EFC Enrollment Award Amount
0 - 6999 Fewer than 9 credits $305
9 or more credits $605
7000 - 13,999 Fewer than 9 credits $280
9 or more credits $555
14,000 - 20,999 Fewer than 9 credits $230
9 or more credits $455
>20,999 Fewer than 9 credits $180
9 or more credits $355
Blank Fewer than 9 credits $105
9 or more credits $205

March 21, 2022

Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds III have been released to your student account. If you are set up for direct deposit, you should see a deposit in your bank account within the next five days. If you didn’t sign up for direct deposit, a check will be mailed to you within the next couple weeks.

You are not required to document how you spend these emergency funds. Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds III are specifically intended for expenses related to your cost of attendance at school or for emergency costs due to coronavirus. These expenses can include eligible expenses already included in your cost of attendance, including but not limited to tuition, food, housing, healthcare or childcare.

It is required that the HEERF III funds be distributed based on financial need. Award amounts are based on students’ “expected family contribution” on the FAFSA.

For information about the HEERF disbursements go to the CARES Act Reporting page.


  • The total amount of HEERF III funds we received that will be awarded to students:
    • $10,502,155
  • The total amount of HEERF III funds that have been distributed to students:
    • $10,497,705
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds:
    • 9,449
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Summer Awarding - we used the Pitman Fund application to identify a student to whom to award HEERF III funds.
    • Fall Awarding - Guidelines:
      • Enrolled during the fall semester
      • Priority will be given to needy students as determined by the FAFSA and the student’s EFC and enrollment
      • HEERF III guidelines encourage us to prioritize needy and domestic students. To further this goal, the following populations are outside of the awarding population:
        • Dual-credit enrollment students
        • Fully-sponsored international students
        • U of I employees who benefit from employee fee waivers for benefits.Spring Awarding - Guidelines:
    • Spring Awarding - Guidelines:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Priority will be given to needy students as determined by the FAFSA and the student’s EFC and enrollment
      • HEERF III guidelines encourage us to prioritize needy and domestic students. To further this goal, the following populations are outside of the awarding population:
        • Dual-credit enrollment students
        • Fully-sponsored international students
        • U of I employees who benefit from employee fee waivers for benefits.
EFC Enrollment Award Amount
0 - 6999 Fewer than 9 credits $305
9 or more credits $605
7000 - 13,999 Fewer than 9 credits $280
9 or more credits $555
14,000 - 20,999 Fewer than 9 credits $230
9 or more credits $455
>20,999 Fewer than 9 credits $180
9 or more credits $355
Blank Fewer than 9 credits $105
9 or more credits $205

Feb. 16, 2022

Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds III have been released to your student account. If you are set up for direct deposit, you should see a deposit in your bank account within the next five days. If you didn’t sign up for direct deposit, a check will be mailed to you within the next couple weeks.

You are not required to document how you spend these emergency funds. Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds III are specifically intended for expenses related to your cost of attendance at school or for emergency costs due to coronavirus. These expenses can include eligible expenses already included in your cost of attendance, including but not limited to tuition, food, housing, healthcare or childcare.

It is required that the HEERF III funds be distributed based on financial need. Award amounts are based on students’ “expected family contribution” on the FAFSA.

For information about the HEERF disbursements go to the CARES Act Reporting page.


  • The total amount of HEERF III funds we received that will be awarded to students:
    • $10,502,155
  • The total amount of HEERF III funds that have been distributed to students:
    • $7,068,050
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds:
    • 9,449
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Summer Awarding - we used the Pitman Fund application to identify a student to whom to award HEERF III funds.
    • Fall Awarding - Guidelines:
      • Enrolled during the fall semester
      • Priority will be given to needy students as determined by the FAFSA and the student’s EFC and enrollment
      • HEERF III guidelines encourage us to prioritize needy and domestic students. To further this goal, the following populations are outside of the awarding population:
        • Dual-credit enrollment students
        • Fully-sponsored international students
        • U of I employees who benefit from employee fee waivers for benefits. 
EFC Enrollment Award Amount
0 - 6999 Fewer than 9 credits $500
9 or more credits $1,000
7000 - 13,999 Fewer than 9 credits $450
9 or more credits $900
14,000 - 20,999 Fewer than 9 credits $400
9 or more credits $800
>20,999 Fewer than 9 credits $350
9 or more credits $700
Blank Fewer than 9 credits $300
9 or more credits $600

Sept. 17, 2021

Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds III have been released to your student account. If you are set up for direct deposit, you should see it in your bank account within the next five days. If you didn’t sign up for direct deposit, a check will be mailed to you Sept. 17. You are not required to document how you spend these emergency funds. Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds III are specifically intended for expenses related to your cost of attendance at school or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus. These expenses can include eligible expenses already included in your cost of attendance, including but not limited to tuition, food, housing, health care or childcare. The HEERF III funds are required to distributed based on financial need. Award amounts are based on students’ Expected Family Contribution from the FAFSA and level of enrollment.

If you have questions about your refund, call the University of Idaho Cashier’s Office at 208-885-7447. For questions related to your disbursement amount, contact Financial Aid at finaid@uidaho.edu.

For information about the HEERF disbursements go to the CARES Act Reporting page.

  • The total amount of HEERF III funds we received that will be awarded to students:
    • $10,502,155
  • The total amount of HEERF III funds that have been distributed to students:
    • $200
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds:
    • 1
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Summer Awarding - we used the Pitman Fund application to identify a student to award HEERF III funds.
    • Fall Awarding - Guidelines:
      • Enrolled during the fall semester
      • Priority will be given to needy students as determined by the FAFSA and the student’s EFC and enrollment
      • HEERF III guidelines encourage us to prioritize needy and domestic students. To further this goal, the following populations are outside of the awarding population:
        • Dual-credit enrollment students
        • Fully-sponsored international student
        • U of I employees who benefit from employee fee waivers for benefits. 
EFC Enrollment Award Amount
0 - 6999 Fewer than 9 credits $500
9 or more credits $1,000
7000 - 13,999 Fewer than 9 credits $450
9 or more credits $900
14,000 - 20,999 Fewer than 9 credits $400
9 or more credits $800
>20,999 Fewer than 9 credits $350
9 or more credits $700
Blank Fewer than 9 credits $300
9 or more credits $600

Sept 9, 2021

The University of Idaho will begin distributing the Fall 2021 Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) to students’ accounts on Thursday, Sept. 16. Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds III are specifically intended for expenses related to your cost of attendance at school or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus. All full-time domestic students and unsponsored international students will be eligible for a HEERF distribution. Certain part-time students may also be eligible. The amount each student will receive will be determined by status and economic need as determined by our Financial Aid office. For the fastest disbursement to your bank account, please ensure you are signed up for direct deposit by Wednesday, Sept. 15. Students who do not sign up for direct deposit will be mailed a paper check beginning on Thursday, Sept. 16.

To sign up for direct deposit or verify an account that is already set up, follow the steps below:

  1. Log into VandalWeb
  2. Select “Students”
  3. Select “Student Accounts”
  4. Select “Direct Deposit Information”
  5. Under Accounts Payable Deposit, click on “Add New” and add your bank account number and routing number for your financial institution.  Choose checking or savings.

If there is an account already listed and it needs to be changed, you will have to select the incorrect account and delete it before adding a new account.

You will need your bank account number and the routing number for your financial institution.

For information about the HEERF disbursements go to the CARES Act Reporting page.

  • The total amount of HEERF II funds we received that will be awarded to students:
    • $3,452,648
  • The total amount of HEERF II funds that have been distributed to students:
    • $3,452,803
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds:
    • 8,112
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • A U.S. Citizen or verified Eligible Non-Citizen
      • Priority will be given to needy students as determined by the FAFSA and the student’s EFC
  • EFC #Students Award Amount
    0 - 6999 3090 $621
    7000 - 13,999 773 $521
    14,000 - 20,999 503 $420
    >20,999 1637 $303
    Blank 2109 $201
    Total 8112

    March 9, 2021

    Any guidance we provided to the students concerning the emergency funds. Students who received the HEERF II funding were sent the following email.

    The University of Idaho will begin distributing the Spring 2021 Higher Education Emergency Relief funding to student accounts on Tuesday, March 16. For the fastest disbursement to your bank account, please ensure you are signed up for direct deposit by Thursday, March 11. Students who do not sign up for direct deposit will be mailed a paper check beginning Tuesday, March 16.

    To sign up for direct deposit or verify an account is already set up, follow the steps below:

    1. Log into VandalWeb
    2. Select “Students”
    3. Select “Student Accounts”
    4. Select “Direct Deposit Information”
    5. Under Accounts Payable Deposit, click on “Add New” and add your bank account number and routing number for your financial institution. Choose checking or savings.

    If there is an account already listed and it needs to be changed, select the incorrect account and delete it before adding a new account.

    For information about the HEERF disbursements go to the CARES Act Reporting page.

    March 16, 2021

    Students who received the HEERF II funding were sent the following email.

    Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds II have been released to your student account. If you are set up for direct deposit, you should see a deposit in your bank account within the next five days. If you didn’t sign up for direct deposit, a check will be mailed to you today.

    You are not required to document how you spend these emergency funds. Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds II are specifically intended for expenses related to your cost of attendance at school or for emergency costs due to coronavirus. These expenses can include eligible expenses already included in your cost of attendance, including, but not limited to tuition, food, housing, healthcare or childcare.

    It is required that the HEERF II funds be distributed based on financial need. Award amounts are based on students’ “expected family contribution” on the FAFSA.

    For information about the HEERF disbursements go to the CARES Act Reporting page.

  • The total amount of funds we received that will be awarded to students.
    • $3,452,648 of the student emergency aid has been awarded to students.
    • $34,694 of the institutional share of the CARES Act funds.
  • The total amount that has been distributed to students.
    • As of January 5, 2021, 6,960 CARES Act disbursements have gone out to students.
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds.
    • 6,185 students were identified as meeting the basic criteria during the fall of 2020.
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV)
      • Not enrolled in online or dual-credit courses
    • The fall awards also required an application.
  • Any guidance we provided to the students concerning the emergency funds.
  • Students who met the basic criteria we sent the following email on Oct. 12, 2020.

    The University of Idaho has a small amount of CARES Act funding available for this fall term. You may meet the qualifications to apply for CARES Act funding to cover additional expenses related to the disruption of campus operations. We will be awarding CARES money until we are out of funds. To apply complete the application available at the financial aid website here and return it to Student Financial Aid Services via email, fax, or in-person.

    In order to be eligible students must:

    • Be enrolled during the fall semester;
    • Be enrolled in an in-person degree program;
    • Be eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV), as identified by the U.S. Department of Education:
      • Filed an online 2020-21 FAFSA application;
      • Completed all required financial aid verification;
      • In Satisfactory Academic Progress standing;
    • Not enrolled in an online-based program or dual-credit courses.

  • The total amount of funds we received that will be awarded to students.
    • $3,452,648
  • The total amount that has been distributed to students.
    • As of Oct. 29, 6,527 CARES Act disbursements have gone out to students. That represents 5,640 unduplicated students with the spring, summer and fall awards. In total that is $3,181,256.00.
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds.
    • As of Oct. 12, 6,439 students were identified as eligible for the funds.
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV)
      • Not enrolled in online or dual-credit courses
    • The fall awards also required an application.
  • Any guidance we provided to the students concerning the emergency funds.
    • Students who received the CARES Act funding were sent the following email.

      The University of Idaho has a small amount of CARES Act funding available for this fall term. You may meet the qualifications to apply for CARES Act funding to cover additional expenses related to the disruption of campus operations. We will be awarding CARES money until we are out of funds. To apply complete the application available at the financial aid website here and return it to Student Financial Aid Services via email, fax, or in-person.

      In order to be eligible students must:

      • Be enrolled during the fall semester;
      • Be enrolled in an in-person degree program;
      • Be eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV), as identified by the U.S. Department of Education:
        • Filed an online 2020-21 FAFSA application;
        • Completed all required financial aid verification;
        • In Satisfactory Academic Progress standing;
      • Not enrolled in an online-based program or dual-credit courses.

  • The total amount of funds we received that will be awarded to students.
    • $3,452,648
  • The total amount that has been distributed to students.
    • As of Oct. 12, 6,439 students have been awarded CARES Act funding at a total of $3,117,541.
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds.
    • As of Oct. 12, 6,439 students were identified as eligible for the funds.
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV)
      • Not enrolled in online or dual-credit courses
  • Any guidance we provided to the students concerning the emergency funds. Students who received the CARES Act funding were sent the following email:

    The University of Idaho has a small amount of CARES Act funding available for this fall term. You may meet the qualifications to apply for CARES Act funding to cover additional expenses related to the disruption of campus operations. We will be awarding CARES money until we are out of funds. To apply complete the application available at the financial aid website here and return it to Student Financial Aid Services via email, fax or in-person.

    In order to be eligible students must:

    • Be enrolled during the fall semester;
    • Be enrolled in an in-person degree program;
    • Be eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV), as identified by the U.S. Department of Education:
      • Filed an online 2020-21 FAFSA application;
      • Completed all required financial aid verification;
      • In Satisfactory Academic Progress standing;
    • Not enrolled in an online-based program or dual-credit courses.

  • The total amount of funds we received that will be awarded to students.
    • $3,452,648
  • The total amount that has been distributed to students.
    • As of Sept. 18, 6,439 students have been awarded CARES Act funding at a total of $3,117,541.
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds.
    • As of Sept. 18, 6,439 students were identified as eligible for the funds.
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV)
      • Not enrolled in online or dual-credit courses

      Please keep in mind there is not enough funding for all the students who meet these minimum qualifications. Once we have established the additional criteria, you will be notified.

  • Any guidance we provided to the students concerning the emergency funds. Students who received the CARES Act funding were sent the following email:

    The University of Idaho has a small amount of CARES Act funding available for this fall term. We are still exploring options of how we will administer the funds. At a minimum, in order to be eligible students must:

    • Be enrolled during the fall semester;
    • Be enrolled in an in-person degree program;
    • Be eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV), as identified by the U.S. Department of Education:
      • Filed an online 2020-21 FAFSA application prior to Sept. 4, 2020;
      • Completed all required financial aid verification;
      • In Satisfactory Academic Progress standing;
    • Not enrolled in an online-based program or dual-credit courses.

  • The total amount of funds we received that will be awarded to students.
    • $3,452,648
  • The total amount that has been distributed to students.
    • As of Sept. 3, 6,439 students have been awarded CARES Act funding at a total of $3,117,541.
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds.
    • As of Sept. 3, 6,439 students were identified as eligible for the funds.
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV)
      • Not enrolled in online or dual-credit courses

      For more information on COVID-19 go to: https://www.uidaho.edu/vandal-health-clinic/coronavirus

  • Any guidance we provided to the students concerning the emergency funds. Students who received the CARES Act funding were sent the following email:

    We wanted to inform you that Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds from the CARES Act have been released to your bank or a check has been mailed to you. You are not required to document how they spent these emergency funds.

    Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds are specifically intended for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. These expenses can include eligible expenses already included in your cost of attendance, including but not limited to:

    • Relocation expenses
    • Food
    • Housing
    • Course materials
    • Technology
    • Health care
    • Child care

  • The total amount of funds we received that will be awarded to students.
    • $3,452,648
  • The total amount that has been distributed to students.
    • As of June 12, 5,477 students have been awarded CARES Act funding at a total of $2,809,701
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds.
    • As of June 12, 5,477 students were identified as eligible for the funds.
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV)
      • Any guidance provided to students concerning the emergency funds was delivered in an email to students receiving the CARES Act funding:

        Students enrolled in classes this summer may be eligible for CARES Act funding from the federal COVID-19 response. Payments will be issued on or around July 16. Please review the criteria below.

        • Eligible students must meet the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education and defined by the University of Idaho:
          • Enrolled during summer semester on or before July 15;
          • Enrolled in an in-person degree program;
          • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV), as identified by the U.S. Department of Education:
            • Filed an online 2019-20 FAFSA application by midnight Central time, June 30;
            • Completed all required financial aid verification;
            • In Satisfactory Academic Progress standing;
            • Not enrolled in an online-based program or dual-credit courses.

        If you have questions about your eligibility or payment, contact Financial Aid at finaid@uidaho.edu or 208-885-6312.

  • The total amount of funds we received that will be awarded to students.
    • $3,452,648
  • The total amount that has been distributed to students.
    • As of May 19, 5,477 students have been awarded CARES Act funding at a total of $2,809,701
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds.
    • As of May 19, 5,477 students were identified as eligible for the funds.
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV)
      • Not enrolled in online or dual-credit courses

      For more information on COVID-19 go to: https://www.uidaho.edu/vandal-health-clinic/coronavirus

  • Any guidance we provided to the students concerning the emergency funds. Students who received the CARES Act funding were sent the following email.

    We wanted to inform you that Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds from the CARES Act have been released to your bank or a check has been mailed to you. You are not required to document how they spent these emergency funds.

    Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds are specifically intended for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. These expenses can include eligible expenses already included in your cost of attendance, including but not limited to:

    • Relocation expenses
    • Food
    • Housing
    • Course materials
    • Technology
    • Health care
    • Child care

  • The total amount of funds we received that will be awarded to students.
    • $3,452,648
  • The total amount that has been distributed to students.
    • As of May 11, 5,470 students have been awarded CARES Act funding at a total of $2,806,110.
  • The total amount of students that are eligible to receive the funds.
    • As of May 11, 5,470 students were identified as eligible for the funds.
  • The methods we used to identify the students who were eligible.
    • Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education define eligible students as:
      • Enrolled during the spring semester
      • Eligible for federal financial assistance (Title IV)
      • Not enrolled in online or dual-credit courses
  • Any guidance we provided to the students concerning the emergency funds. Students who received the CARES Act funding were sent the following email:
  • We wanted to inform you that Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds from the CARES Act have been released to your student account. If you are set up for direct deposit, you should see it in your bank account within the next five days. If you didn't sign up for direct deposit, a check will be mailed to you on Tuesday, May 12. You are not required to document how you spend these emergency funds.

    Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds are specifically intended for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. These expenses can include eligible expenses already included in your cost of attendance, including but not limited to:

    • Relocation expenses
    • Food
    • Housing
    • Course materials
    • Technology
    • Health care
    • Child care

    For more information on COVID-19 go to the university site: https://www.uidaho.edu/vandal-health-clinic/coronavirus

Vandal Health Clinic

Physical Address:

831 Ash Street
Moscow, ID 83843

Phone: 208-885-6693

Directions to Vandal Health Clinic