May 12, 2020

Disbursement of CARES Act Aid to Students

The CARES Act, a $2 trillion federal spending bill designed to provide some relief from hardships caused by COVID-19, includes funding of almost $14 billion for colleges and universities. Of El Camino College’s $11.7 million allocation, $5.8 million was designated as direct aid to students for their education-related costs such as textbooks, technology, and other similar expenses. Using guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, El Camino College has implemented a procedure for disbursement of these funds. A student will receive an award of either $250 or $500 based on Title IV eligibility criteria, which include: 

• Having completed a FAFSA application
• Having fulfilled any additional documentation requests for financial aid eligibility
• Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
• Being enrolled in 3 or more units
• Having financial need, calculated as cost of attendance minus expected family contribution

Students enrolled in 3 to 5 units will be awarded $250. Students enrolled in 6 or more units will be awarded $500. Funds will be received via the disbursement method a student has previously selected to receive financial aid (i.e. BankMobile, direct deposit, paper check, etc.). If a disbursement method has not been selected, the student will be asked to choose one. Students who have not completed a FAFSA application for Spring Semester or Summer Session may still do so. 

Funds will be disbursed beginning tomorrow, May 13.