Applications are no longer being accepted.

The deadline to apply was March 15, 2021.

On December 27, 2020, following passage by the United States Congress, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 which included the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. Included in the bill was $23 billion in funding for institutions of higher education and students. Samford University will receive over $1.19 million in funding to provide emergency support to Samford students who since December 27, 2020 have experienced temporary financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Wednesday, February 24, 2021 and continuing through Monday, March 15, 2021, any currently enrolled Samford University student who is also a United States citizen may complete and submit the CRRSA Act Emergency Assistance Application (inactive due to deadline). The application will help determine the applicant’s eligibility for emergency financial grants, provided by the federal government pursuant to the CRRSA Act. Applications received by Samford University after 11:59 p.m. on March 15, 2021 may not be considered.

Samford University is able to provide grants to students who have incurred emergency expenses related to the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic since December 27, 2020 in any of the following categories: childcare, food/meals, housing, technology/course materials, travel, and health care. A description of each cost and supporting documentation may be submitted using this online application. Decisions on applications will not be made until after the application period closes on March 15, 2021. The maximum amount a student is eligible to receive is $6,345. This is the equivalent of a maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2020-2021.

Once the process is completed, funding will be applied directly to the recipient’s Samford student account and automatically refunded to the student. Funds will begin to be released by April 1, 2021. We strongly encourage all applicants to ensure they have direct deposit set up with Samford in order for the funds to be quickly deposited into the financial account of choice. Learn how to set up direct deposit or check the status of a previously established direct deposit agreement. Recipients who do not have direct deposit will be issued a check and it will be mailed to the home mailing address on file with Samford. Mailing your check may significantly lengthen the time frame in which your funds will be received.

For questions regarding the CRRSA Act Student Emergency Fund, please see the FAQ below or contact the Samford One Stop at OneStop@samford.edu if the FAQ does not adequately answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

My parent or family member is attempting to access the form/application but is unable to do so. How may they access the form?

The application is for students to submit their needs. As a result, the application requires you as the student to log in with your Samford username and password to our form submission system.

How do I set up direct deposit for my refund? How do I know if I already have direct deposit set up?

Follow the instructions found here: Direct Deposit Guide

What is the CRRSA Act?

The CRRSA Act is one of several acts passed by the US Congress and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2020 with the intention to provide economic relief to Americans and American businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions of higher education were supported by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II as part of the CRRSA Act.

Who is eligible to receive CRRSA funding?

Any spring 2021 Samford student who is also a United States citizen.

Are international students eligible to receive these funds?

US federal welfare benefits law requires that only United States citizens receive such benefits. The funding provided through the CRRSA is considered to be welfare benefits. As a result, only spring 2021 Samford students who are also United States citizens are eligible.

I have costs from before December 27, 2020 for which I need assistance. May I submit those costs, too?

The CRRSA Act establishes a starting point for expenses of December 27, 2020. Costs prior to that are not eligible for submission.

What other resources are available for students who are not eligible or are in need of additional funding?

Samford has a number of student emergency funds. The Samford Emergency Assistance Fund (SEAF) is available to all students and provides funding up to $500 per occurrence. Other funds exist in different academic areas including, but not limited to the University Fellows, Cumberland School of Law, Beeson Divinity School, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Moffett and Sanders School of Nursing, and others. Contact your Dean or Department/Program Chair to determine if your School/College has such a fund.

What is the deadline for applying?

11:59 pm on March 15, 2021

Will the emergency funding count as financial aid and/or negatively impact my current financial aid package?

No. These funds are not considered to be financial aid and have no impact on financial aid. In fact, these funds will not be processed through the financial aid process. They will be applied directly to your student account and refunded immediately. See the guidance above concerning direct deposit of the refund to your preferred bank account.

When will I receive my funds?

All applications will be reviewed after the application period concludes on March 15, 2021. Samford has a limited amount of funding and seeks to provide for as many applicants as possible and desires to distribute them fairly. In order to do so, all applications will be considered only after the time period for applying is completed. Approved funds will begin being distributed by April 1, 2021.

I was not enrolled at Samford for fall 2020 but am enrolled for spring 2021. May I apply?

Yes. So long as you are enrolled for spring 2021 and are a United States citizen, you may apply.

Who may I contact with additional questions about CRRSA Act Emergency Assistance Funds?

The Samford One Stop will be glad to assist with your questions. OneStop@samford.edu or 205-726-2905.