CARES Act FAQs

The CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant Fund provides emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus as stipulated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act that was signed into law March 27, 2020. Awards will be distributed to eligible UCSF students based on need derived from the 2019-20 FAFSA or College Board Profile. In partnership with the Controller’s Office and Office of Sponsored Research; UCSF signed and returned the Certification Agreement to the Department of Education attesting that awarded CARES Act funds will be used to provide federal emergency aid grants to UCSF students.

Who is eligible for the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant and how will eligibility be determined?

Is a US Citizen or an eligible noncitizen
Has a valid Social Security number
Is registered with Selective Service, if you’re a male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25)
Is not in default on a federal student loan
Does not owe money on a federal student grant
Is currently enrolled in spring 2020 quarter

How much will eligible students receive in the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?

The CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant is one-time funding awarded to eligible UCSF students enrolled in spring 2020. Awards will be distributed based on financial need derived from 2019-20 FAFSA or College Board Profile. Funding will be disbursed as indicated below (per student):

Graduate and Professional Students

Students	Amount
School of Dentistry	$600
School of Medicine	$600
School of Nursing	$600
Graduate Division/PhD	$600
School of Pharmacy	$600
Physical Therapy	$600
Physical Therapy students unable to graduate in spring 2020 and extending to summer	$3,862 (average award)

When will eligible students receive the CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?

The distribution of funds to eligible students will begin the week of May 18, 2020. If you have not received your funds by June 1, please contact Student Financial Services. In the meantime, please sign-up for direct deposit.

Why didn’t I receive a CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant?

If you are ineligible for a CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant, and if you or your family was significantly affected by issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, we may be able to help you with other basic-need resources. For more information, please contact Student Financial Services directly.

How much CARES Act Emergency Relief Grant aid were awarded to UCSF for student grants and to how many students is this being distributed?

UCSF received a total of $434,317 in Emergency Federal Financial Aid Grant Aid to be awarded to eligible, needy students.
The number of registered students in spring 2020 was estimated at 3,048.
Of registered students, 1,179 met the CARES Act eligibility criteria.
The projected number of CARES Act recipients is 626, and represents 21% of ALL students registered in spring 2020 (3,048).
The projected number of CARE Act recipients is 626, and represents 54% of registered students meeting eligibility criteria (1,179).
Number of Emergency Grants Distributed to Students (as of August 20, 2020): 626 out of 626.