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What Students Can Expect from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act

A person in a blue jacket and black backpack walks on campus

The University of Pittsburgh will distribute funds to approximately 15,200 students as part of the coronavirus relief package recently passed by Congress, the University announced today.

On Dec. 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) was signed into law. The bill authorized $22.9 billion in COVID-19 relief funding for higher education and includes funding to be distributed directly to students, as well as funds to offset institutional costs caused by the pandemic.

CRRSAA allocated $30.6 million to the University of Pittsburgh, of which at least $10.6 million was mandated toward direct support to students. Recognizing the immense financial burden students and their families are facing, the University will be distributing an additional $4.7 million of CRRSAA funds to students above what is federally mandated, for a total of $15.3 million.

Pitt will distribute this funding directly to approximately 15,200 graduate and undergraduate students who, as of February 18, 2021, had a 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file, demonstrated financial need, met eligibility requirements to receive federal Title IV financial aid and had a federal student aid disbursement for spring 2021.

“During these challenging days, Pitt’s ability to provide CRRSAA grants to our undergraduate and graduate students is just one more way we can support them in their educational journeys,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd. “The University’s decision to increase the student aid portion of funding allows us to provide grants to even more students. It’s just the right thing to do.”

More information about these grants and what can be expected is found on a dedicated webpage.

How funds will be distributed

If you receive an email notification that you received a CRRSAA grant, log in to PittPAY to verify that your PittPAY eRefund banking information is accurate and update it if necessary. This is the easiest, fastest way to receive your grant, and information provided will only be used in the event that the University needs to provide money to you.

Funds will be posted to the student account as a “Fed CRRSAA Grant” in PittPAY on the Account Activity tab for spring term 2021.

Funds will be deposited to the student’s PittPAY eRefund bank account 2-3 business days after the transaction appears on the student account. Students will receive an email from PittPAY when the funds have been sent to their bank.

Students who choose not to enroll in PittPAY eRefunds will receive a check mailed to the home address listed in the PeopleSoft student system in 10 to 14 days.   

All students eligible for a grant were notified by email. If you did not receive an email or do not have a grant posted to your account, you were not eligible to receive a CRRSAA grant.

Ongoing monitoring and other sources of aid

In the spring term, several groups of graduate and undergraduate students received aid due to disrupted wages, stipends or meal plan access. The University is continuing to monitor for any impacts to summer 2021 student stipends and, if relief grants are needed, will ensure they are available to both domestic and international students. 

Pitt is supporting students in need of financial relief in other ways. All students, regardless of CRRSAA grant eligibility, are able to apply for emergency assistance. For more information on these funds, visit the appropriate campus’ website:

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