CARES Act

All currently registered Yakima Valley College students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:

All students should complete a FAFSA or WASFA application for the 2021-2022 year. Students who cannot complete either the FAFSA or WASFA and have completed a CARES application will receive further instruction from the Financial Aid office after submitting the emergency funding application.

Please submit the online application. Awards are determined by EFC ranges as follows:

• 0-5,846: $1,200
• 5,847-10,000: $1,100
• 10,001-19,999: $1,000
• 20,000-above; no application: $900

Results or requests for additional information will be communicated via the Financial Aid Portal or by email. Funding will be disbursed using your refunding preference established with BankMobile Disbursements. Please be sure your current address is on file with our Registration Office. Here is more information about BankMobile Disbursements. Please contact YVC’s Financial Aid office for additional information about establishing your refund preference.

Apply for CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants

The CARES Act is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. One part of this federal program allocates money to Yakima Valley College, and a portion of that allocation can be awarded to students who are experiencing financial expenses because of the campus disruption in operations due to the coronavirus.

Expenses need to be related to changes in campus operations due to the coronavirus.  Unanticipated expenses in the following areas qualify:

• Food
• Housing
• Course Materials (books, related school supplies)
• Technology (computer, computer accessories, software, internet access, printer)
• Healthcare
• Childcare

First, be sure to check that your current address is on file with the college’s registration office.  An incorrect address could cause a significant delay in receiving the funds. Check your address by logging into your Student Portal and going to “Show Student Info”.

Then check the requirements above and ensure that the expenses are related to disruption in college operations due to the coronavirus. Then please submit the online application.

No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid.

No, this funding does not negate nor replace financial aid, and it is a one-time grant.

Yes, enrolled students can apply in each of the following quarters.  While funds remain available, we anticipate taking applications for Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Fall 2021. Awards are made in the order that applications are received.

Applications are taken throughout the quarter – there is no deadline to apply. Funds are distributed no sooner than the 10th day of the quarter.

No.  Emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act are qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code. This grant is not includible in your gross income.

The funds will be delivered to you via Bank Mobile. Instructions are available on how funds are disbursed and how to set up a preference for receiving a refund.  Also, note that these funds will go out to you without paying any outstanding charges you may have; you may view your Student Account balance within the portal.

With your permission, emergency funds can be applied to tuition and fees charged on your student account. By affirming your choice on the form, you can have your funds first applied to open charges on your student account and any remaining balance refunded to you via the refund preference you selected with Bank Mobile. Alternatively, you can have your full Emergency Award released directly to you via Bank Mobile. This last option would skip paying any outstanding balance on your student account and you would have to separately settle that balance according to the institution’s payment schedule.

If you have questions or need more information, call 509.574.6855 or email finaid@yvcc.edu.