Are you experiencing a financial challenge as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation? Do you need assistance with the unexpected costs of online learning technology or Internet? Are you nearing graduation with limited remaining funding or facing an unexpected financial challenge such as an unexpected car repair, loss of employment, or lack of funds for adequate food? IU Fort Wayne offers grant and loan funding to eligible students facing these situations. Requirements vary based on award program. However, most resources require students to meet the following criteria:
Enrolled at IU Fort Wayne
Exhausted all available federal and state financial aid funds
Exceptions to these criteria may be made on a case by case basis. To help determine your eligibility and to apply for funding, please complete the following form.
Financial challenges
Supporting you as a student is a top priority at IU Fort Wayne. We may be able to help when you're experiencing financial challenges. These include:
COVID-19 related issues: Do you have additional costs such as medical, technology needs, loss of job or change to housing?
Graduation assistance: You may qualify for additional funding to help you earn your degree if you're nearing graduation and need help covering your remaining costs.
Financial assistance: You may be eligible for emergency funding if you are facing an unexpected financial emergency.
Financial aid re-evaluation: You may be able to have your financial aid adjusted if your financial circumstances have changed since you filed the FAFSA.
IU Fort Wayne FAQ regarding emergency funding requests
The IUFW Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) coordinates emergency financial aid awarding at IUFW from institutional and federal aid sources, as well from IU Foundation funds.
The recent federal CARES Act establishes and funds the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students. IUFW has recently received federal funds to provide HEERF emergency grant awards directly to IUFW students. The HEERF emergency grant awards will range from $700 to $1,500 at IUFW.
Students must have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualified for federal student aid to be considered for HEERF funding. Automatic HEERF awards are being made to hundreds of IUFW undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who have completed a FAFSA, received federal aid, were enrolled full-time as of April 15, 2020, meet specific low-income criteria, and are not scheduled to graduate in May 2020. IUFW is also offering an application process for HEERF funding consideration for those that do not receive automatic HEERF funding.
Recipients will be notified by email of automatic HEERF emergency grant awards, and should receive a direct deposit or paper check by early May. Students can also view awards in financial aid self-service at One.IU. Those who do not qualify for automatic awards can still submit requests for emergency grant consideration by applying .
HEERF emergency grants are directed to be used for student expenses related to the pandemic and the disruption of in-person college attendance. Examples of expenses include food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and childcare expenses.
The U.S. Department of Education has determined that DACA, undocumented, International, and students in only online/distance education classes prior to March 23, 2020 do NOT qualify for HEERF funding. IUFW offers other emergency grant and loan programs for these populations. These students should still apply for emergency funding consideration here.
The application requires the student to submit name, university ID number, and a short narrative describing the emergency funding needs. The requestor can upload information as appropriate and may be asked to submit additional documentation. All correspondence will occur using the student’s IUFW email address.
Confidential requests are reviewed on case-by-case basis by a team of highly trained financial aid administrators. Requests are referred to campus partners as appropriate. Note the application was recently modified for all groups of IUFW students to submit a request for financial crisis funding, including international students, DACA students, and students pursuing certificates.
In the majority of requests reviewed, students are helped to determine if they are eligible for additional federal aid eligibility before they are considered for limited emergency aid funds. But for those that have exhausted federal and state aid eligibility and have unmet financial need, an emergency aid funding option is likely to be awarded.
Despite the recent influx of applications, undergraduate students should receive an email response with aid options within 1-2 business days.
Students who have set up direct deposit refunds with the Bursar will receive funds in a matter of days after awards are made; if there is no direct deposit information on file, the Bursar mails refund checks on a weekly basis.
For students that have maximized federal and state aid eligibility, awarding practices include the IU Emergency Grant of up to $2,000 per year, the Jaguar Persistence Grant of up to $2,000 per year for those close to graduation or enrolled in summer, or an IU Miller Loan of up to $5,000 per year for those close to graduation.
