Emergency Financial Aid COVID Relief Funds

Updated: March 24, 2023

Pitt Community College received funds under the following federal appropriations acts:

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) enacted on April 9, 2020 totaling $2,755,397.00
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) enacted on January 17, 2021 totaling $2,755,397.00
American Rescue Plan (ARP) enacted on March 11, 2021 totaling $9,696,519.00

The purpose of these funds is to provide emergency grant aid to students impacted by the pandemic. Emergency Grant funds may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, food, books and supplies, health care, and child care), or for emergency costs due to coronavirus such as tuition, food, housing, healthcare, mental health care, child care, or loss of income (self or family member).

In accordance with federal regulations, Pitt Community College will prioritize individuals with exceptional need. Exceptional need is defined as students who receive Federal Pell Grants or are undergraduates with extraordinary financial circumstances including, but not limited to, unemployment or reduced income.

We anticipate the Emergency Grant recipients will be awarded funds depending on the number of applications received and financial need. To be considered for an Emergency Grant, students must:

The individual must be or have been enrolled as defined in 34 CFR 668.2 in an institution on or after March 13, 2020.
Have emergency need(s) due to COVID 19 including tuition, fees, housing, food, books, supplies health care, child care, mental health care, or loss of income (self or family member).
Complete the Emergency Financial Aid Application.

STEPS TO COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

The Student Emergency Grant funds have all been exhausted. We do not anticipate receiving additional funds.

The information below is from previous semesters and will remain on our website for compliance.

Log into your my.pittcc student portal.
Click on the word “students” (not the dropdown) at the top of the Portal Page.
Locate “digital forms” on the right-hand side of the page.
Select the “Emergency Financial Aid Application”.
Complete and submit the application.
- Please note- only one application submission is allowed per semester. If you submit the application and then receive a notice that you have already submitted it, then we have your application on file. You will receive an email shortly after your application is submitted confirming receipt.

Students enrolled solely in continuing education courses, please complete the online application. If you have questions, please contact PCCGrants@email.pittcc.edu for assistance and eligibility requirements.

Financial need is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completion of the FAFSA is encouraged, but not required to apply for the emergency grant.

How do I apply?

Eligible students must log in to their student portal to complete the Emergency Grant Application per the above instructions. Students who appear to meet the eligibility requirements will also be sent an email notification with link to the application.

How much money can I expect to receive?

In accordance with federal guidelines, Pitt Community College will prioritize students with greatest need, while striving to distribute funds to as many students as possible. The amount of an award will depend on the number of applications received and the financial need of the applicants. Please note that applying does not guarantee receipt of funds.

If I am approved, how will I receive the Emergency Grant?

If you are awarded funding, the grant will be processed through your student account. On the applications, students may elect to have the funds applied to their college bill to reduce their charges; otherwise, the funds be disbursed directly via paper check.

Will the Emergency Grant effect my current financial aid?

No, the Emergency Grant will not impact your financial aid award.

Do I need to pay this money back?

No, the Emergency aid is a grant and therefore does not need to be repaid.

Is the Emergency Grant taxable?

No, per the Internal Revenue Service, the grant will not be included in your taxable income. Please visit the IRS’s website (https://www.irs.gov/) for more details.

When can I expect the funds?

If approved, funds for the fall semester applications will be released on a rolling basis.

My address has changed what do I do?

Please complete a change of address form on your my.pittcc student portal.

Can I pick my check up?

No, PCC only mails checks at this time.

If I didn’t receive my check, what do I do?

If you have not received your check within 10 business days from the notification it was mailed, contact the Cashier’s Office at PCCCashier@email.pittcc.edu.

Do I have to fill out a FAFSA to qualify?

While PCC recommends all students complete the FAFSA for your benefit, completion of the FAFSA is NOT required for the emergency grants.

How do I know if my application went through?

You will receive a general email to your PCC email account once approved. It will not specify that it is for Student Emergency Aid, as if you applied for other aid, it will be combined. Checks will be mailed out on a rolling basis, so a definitive date cannot be given. Typically, the approval process, processing and check release is within thirty days, with the exception of Con Ed and Late Start class start dates. For those dates, times will vary. If students are experiencing emergency needs before the aid is received, please refer to our resources page for other options. Checks mailed to students via the US Postal Service may take an additional seven to ten days to be received.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Any questions can be sent to PCCgrants@email.pittcc.edu or by contacting 252-493-7254.

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Email to Students Summer and Fall 2021
Email to Students Spring 2022
Notification to Students about FAFSA Change