CARES Act Funds

File your 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 FAFSA. List Triton College as an educational institution.

No. The money you receive is from a federal grant and does not need to be repaid.

The application will be sent to you, if you are eligible, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, to your Triton College student email. The application is not public on the web, as only those eligible will be able to apply. We are announcing this information in advance to encourage as many students as possible to become eligible by filing the FAFSA as soon as possible.

Yes. You can use these funds for any purpose, i.e. rent, food, utilities, etc., that will relieve the financial burden of paying for your education caused by the pandemic.

Yes. You can request that the funds go directly towards any outstanding balance you have at the college rather than coming to you directly.

If you cannot submit a FAFSA because of citizenship reasons, you will have to identify scholarship opportunities for funding through AcademicWorks, a scholarship site available through the financial aid webpage. Currently, CRRSAA funds are federal and federal guidelines prohibit those who are not citizens or eligible permanent residents to receive these funds. Triton College invites all students in need of financial assistance, regardless of citizenship status, to talk with the staff in the financial aid office to find financial support.

No. You will not be asked how you used the money.

Eligibility will be updated on a weekly basis. If you submitted your FAFSA more than 7 days ago and have not received an email (be sure to check your JUNK folder, too), please email finaid@triton.edu.

You will receive an email within 3-4 working days indicating the amount of your award. A check will be sent to your home address, unless otherwise noted on the application, within three working days of being notified. Most students should be able to receive their funds within two weeks from the completion of their application. Please do not count weekends and holidays.

Email caresact@triton.edu. This email address is staffed by those who work in the office of the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. You may send questions there. Your question may be forwarded to financial aid if it is specific to your eligibility.

To ensure eligibility, be sure to have a FAFSA on file. You will receive an email to your Triton email address detailing how you will receive your CARES Act check by mail to your permanent address. You may also receive a text message to the phone number we have associated with your account.

No, the money students will receive are from a federal grant and does not have to be repaid.

No, the federal guidelines make it clear that students use the funding for ongoing costs associated with remote learning. When you cash your check, you will be agreeing to use the money in a way related to food, housing, utilities, course materials, technology, internet service, healthcare, and/or childcare.

No. CARES Act funds are not a part of your financial aid package and do not impact your eligibility for regular financial aid including grants, scholarships and, loans.

If you are going to be a continuing Triton College student in the fall, FILE YOUR 2020-2021 FAFSA immediately. Then, watch the Triton College website for the availability of an application to the emergency aid fund.