Update: Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II)
Palmer College of Chiropractic has received additional federal funds for students with extreme financial need. This new funding for 2021 is through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and is being referred to as HEERF II funds. Unlike the previous round of HEERF, schools are now required by the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize students with exceptional financial need. Therefore, students will only be allowed to apply for these funds if they demonstrate financial need as determined through the FAFSA.
Eligible students will be notified through their Palmer email when the HEERF II grant application is available. Funds are limited so there will be a deadline to submit the application. If you’d like to be considered and have not filed the 2020-2021 FAFSA, you should do so immediately.
To be eligible to apply for a HEERF II grant:
- The Office of Financial Planning must have received your 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- You must demonstrate financial need on your FAFSA (cost of attendance minus expected family contribution)
- You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- You must have been enrolled on or after January 19, 2021
You may apply for funds to assist with any component of your cost of attendance, or any emergency costs resulting from COVID-19. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applying doesn’t guarantee approval of funds. Due to the volume of applications, the review may take up to four weeks after the close of the application.
HEERF II grants will be disbursed by direct deposit or paper check. If you don’t have direct deposit, please complete the Direct Deposit Authorization. If no direct deposit account is on file, paper checks will be mailed to your address on file and may take an additional two to three weeks to receive. A check returned as undeliverable will be returned to the HEERF account.
Students currently experiencing financial hardship are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Planning now to discuss options for assistance or by applying here. The College may also be able to provide financial assistance through the recently established Palmer Student Emergency Relief Fund, made possible by generous alumni and friends of the College.
Additional Resources
Expansion of SNAP Benefits
Recent Student Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) rules have been temporarily expanded allowing students to qualify for food assistance if they’re eligible to participate in Federal Work Study (FWS) or have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 in the current academic year. If you don’t know your EFC, you can download a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) at FAFSA.gov, or you can contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Because each state has its own application form for individuals to enroll in SNAP, the USDA is directing those seeking to apply, or individuals with questions about SNAP eligibility, to contact their local SNAP offices, which can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
Palmer College of Chiropractic cares about your health and wellbeing as we continue to weather the effects of COVID-19. We encourage you to take advantage of the resources available to you and to reach out if you need help.
Personal Counseling Referral Program
Palmer offers free and confidential community-based counseling to all students. Palmer students seeking personal counseling resources for assistance with relationship issues, substance abuse, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issues are encouraged to make an appointment.
Mental Health and Well-being
- ULifeline (http://www.ulifeline.org) – An anonymous, confidential, online resource center developed especially for college students. Find help and information regarding mental health and suicide prevention.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://www.nami.org/Home) – NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Local NAMI chapters offer educational programs for individuals and families. Crisis help is available via text – text NAMI to 741-741.
- American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org) – The APA is the premier professional psychological association in the United States, which provides information on a wide variety of topics.
- National Grad Crisis Line – 1-877-GRAD-HLP (472-3457) provides 24/7 support for urgent mental health care.
- Learn Psychology Guides (https://www.learnpsychology.org/resources/) provide tips and strategies for addressing stress, sleep issues and other mental health needs and concerns.
- Suicide Prevention and Domestic Violence National 24-hour Crisis Lines
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- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- National Domestic Violence Hotlines:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
