HEERF III – What Is It?

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. A portion of each institution’s allocation must be awarded to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants to assist students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Miami Dade College Funding Report

HEERF Quarterly Report: 9-30-20 | 12-31-20 | 3-31-21 | 6-30-21 | 9-30-21 | 12-31-21 | 03-31-22 | 06-30-22 | 09-30-22 | 12-31-22 | 3-31-23 | 6-30-23 | 9-30-23 | 12-31-23 | 03-31-24 | 06-30-24 | 09-30-24

Student Emergency Grants

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III - Miami Dade College has received authorization from the US Department of Education to receive $175,596,703 million from the Department, provided under authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2. Of that amount at least $88,743,614 million will be used for emergency student aid.

In distributing these funds, Miami Dade College will follow the instructions and guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, and the Certification and Agreement completed by the College. That guidance requires institutions to prioritize students with exceptional need when allocating these funds, subject to certain limitations on student eligibility and expense eligibility.

The Student Emergency Grant Program – An Overview

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021. A portion of the funds must be awarded to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants to assist students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Miami Dade College plans to distribute the HEERF emergency grants in multiple rounds with an application process that will begin on January 6, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q. Am I eligible to receive a HEERF III emergency grant?

To be eligible for a HEERF III emergency grant, you must:

  •  Be enrolled in an eligible program for Spring 2023 at Miami Dade College (Associate, Bachelor, Approved Certificate or Vocational Programs).
  • Have incurred costs related to you cost of attendance or emergency costs that arose due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
  • Have completed the 2022-2023 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Q. The Student Emergency Grant Program – How Much Can I Receive?

The amount students are awarded is based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their expected family contribution (EFC). Students with exceptional need will be prioritized in grant distribution and will receive a larger grant award than students without demonstrated exceptional need.

Q. How can I apply to receive HEERF III funds?

If you are eligible to apply, we will email you with instructions on how to apply.

Q. I believe I’m qualified to receive a HEERF III emergency grant, but I did not receive an email. What should I do?

Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional guidance at 305-237-9300 or email your campus.

Q. Do I need to prove financial need to apply for these funds?

These funds are intended to support students with their cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to COVD-19. These expenses may include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care or child care.

Q. Do I need to repay the grant I receive?

No; you do not need to repay this grant.

Q. Will this funding reduce my financial aid?

No; this will not affect your existing financial aid.

Q. If I’m awarded a HEERF III emergency grant, how will I receive my grant money?

You will receive your grant money through Miami Dade College’s refund process, which is managed by BankMobile. To receive your refunds as quickly as possible, we encourage you to opt into receiving electronic refunds from Miami Dade College, which includes grant money from the HEERF grant. For information about how to opt in to receive electronic refunds please visit the MDC's Financial Aid BankMobile site. If you do not opt in to receive electronic refunds, you will receive your grant money through a paper check mailed to your home address on file with the College.

Q. When will I receive my grant money?

After disbursement begins, it may take up to three days before you receive the funds in your account through electronic transfer, and it may take more than fourteen days for you to receive a check by mail.

All information provided is subject to change pending additional guidance/clarification from the Department of Education.