The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES, has awarded UT Health San Antonio $772,901 to assist students who are financially impacted by the campus disruptions from COVID-19.

The Office of Veteran Services and Financial Aid will distribute these funds through an emergency financial aid grant, which awards grants of up to $2,000 to eligible students.

“UT Health San Antonio is grateful to our national leaders for giving particular focus to the needs of our graduate, undergraduate and professional students,” said Jacqueline Mok, Ph.D., vice president for academic, faculty and student affairs. “The CARES Act grant will help to offset the costs our students incurred during this pandemic. Our students continue to forge ahead during this critical time when health care professionals and biomedical scientists are called upon to address this unprecedented public health crisis.”

Students can apply online, and applications will be reviewed by the financial aid office on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted. To apply, students must have completed the 2019-2020 Free Application for Student Federal Aid and have a demonstrated financial need.

The grants will not affect any future financial aid status for students, and do not have to be paid back. U.S. Department of Education regulations state that funds are to be used to cover unexpected cost of attendance expenses incurred from the disruption of campus operations caused by the coronavirus. These could include increased costs for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care.

Students can visit the CARES Act student page to find more detailed information about their eligibility and the application process.