Design’s School of Cosmetology (DSC) acknowledges that the institution signed and returned the Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CARES Act to the Department of Education. Per the agreement, DSC will use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) to provide Emergency Financial Aid grants to students.
ELIGIBILTY METHODOLOGY
The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
For the initial awarding of HEERF funding, DSC determined eligible students must meet the following criteria:
- FAFSA on file and eligible for Title IV funding
- Must be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Cannot be in Default on a Title IV Loan or owe an Overpayment on a Title IV Grant
- Enrolled in an eligible program
- In attendance at any time between March 20, 2020 and June 22, 2020
Award amounts range from $419.00 to $1172.00.
INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDANCE PROVIDED TO STUDENTS
DSC sent a student portal message and text message to students instructing them to go to designsschool.edu/cares-act for instructions on how to access the Cares Act Emergency Relief funds.
QUESTIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Any additional questions or assistance, please email the Financial Assistance Department at [email protected]. You may also text or phone the schools mobile phone at 805.712.4000.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the CARES Emergency Grant?
A: The United States Government has allocated funds to DSC for us to help our students who have an emergency situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to going to school online:
These items could be the cost of food and housing due to a loss of income, needing to overcome technology challenges to be able to continue school online, childcare challenges due to school being out of school for the remainder of the year, or other situations due to the pandemic.
Q: Am I eligible to receive an Emergency grant?
A: You must be eligible for Title IV Financial Aid.
If you completed a FAFSA and have received a Pell grant and/or a Direct student loan, you are likely eligible for this grant.
If you have not completed a FAFSA, you still may complete one in order to see if you are eligible.
If you complete a FAFSA or have completed a FAFSA and are ineligible for Title IV aid, you will not be eligible for this grant.
Q: How do I apply for this grant?
A: To apply for the CARES Emergency Grant:
- Complete the DocuSign form emailed to the student.
- Make sure you update your address on that form, as these funds will be mailed to you directly and will not go to your campus.
- Your request will be reviewed for eligibility.
Q: When will these funds be available?
A: These funds will become available approximately 10 business days after your application is processed.
Q: How will I know if I will receive the grant and how much it is?
A: You will receive an email letting you know you were approved and the amount.
Q: Are the grant funds taxable income?
A: No, according to the IRS website, this is not included in your gross 2020 income.
Q: Are there fees associated with the grant funds?
A: There is not a fee for receiving the grant funds, however there may be a fee imposed by your bank or retailer when cashing the check.
Q: Do I have to pay these funds back later?
A: No, these funds are considered grant funds and do not need to be repaid.
Q: Can this be applied towards my balance at DSC?
A: No, these funds are designated by the U. S. Government to be used by our students for emergency situations caused by COVID-19 and are not to be retained as payment on your account.
Q: Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
A: You may contact the Financial Assistance Department with additional questions by email at [email protected]. If you feel you need additional funds due to COVID-19, we suggest applying even if you are not sure if you are eligible.