Emergency Aid Fund FAQs

Yes. Award priority is given to students with the highest need as demonstrated through the calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA.

TASFA students can apply to the Emergency Aid Fund using the Edquity app. They will be considered for emergency aid from the Foundation, but are not eligible/considered for CARES Act monies. They are only eligible for state funding (whereas CARES Act is federal monies).

Yes. Students must be enrolled in Spring 2021 to be eligible for Emergency Aid.

Dual Credit and Early College High School students are not eligible to apply for financial aid until they complete high school, so they are not eligible for CARES Act funding.

DACA students can apply to the Emergency Aid Fund using the Edquity app. They will be considered for emergency aid from the Foundation, but are not eligible/considered for CARES Act monies since they are not Title IV eligible (and therefore do not qualify for CARES Act funding through the Department of Education).

Yes, part-time students are eligible for both Foundation and CARES Act funds available through the Emergency Aid Fund. Apply today!

Current students can apply for Emergency Aid each semester using Edquity.

Apply for Emergency Aid by following these steps:

1. Download Edquity's mobile app (available in the App Store and Google Play) or apply online.

   Once you create an account with Edquity, the application is easy and takes an average of seven minutes to fill out. To start the application process, all you will need is your student ID number.

2. Wait for your application to be processed.

   Edquity first reviews your eligibility for emergency aid from the Dallas College Foundation. Then Dallas College reviews your eligibility for emergency aid from the CARES Act.

   Note: You must complete a 2020-2021 FAFSA application before applying for Emergency Aid if you want to be considered for CARES Act funds. If you have questions about (or need assistance with) completing the FAFSA, a Dallas College representative is available on Blackboard Collaborate (eConnect LIVE) from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hours will be extended until 7 p.m. daily starting January 4, 2020.  For additional help, call the Financial Aid Call Cente​r at 972-587-2599.
   

You will receive an email once your application has been reviewed.

Edquity also offers emergency resources and budgeting tools to help prevent potential financial challenges. Edquity is also developing agreements with national businesses, such as extended stay hotels and car repair shops, to provide access to reduced-fee services quickly.

• The Fall 2020 application closed on January 5, 2021.
• The Spring 2021 application opened on January 6, 2021.

Help from Dallas College goes beyond the Emergency Fund: 

• Visit the Mobile Food Pantry to ensure you have quality nutrition.
• Access a free bus/train pass to travel around town.
• Connect with additional off-campus resources for support with issues like legal help, financial planning, clothing, child care, rent and utility assistance, health-related resources and medical referrals.

Yes. Dallas College offers scholarship opportunities that may be able to help you fund college costs. We can also connect you with community resources. Use the My Community Services tool to search local community resources available, or speak with our Connections program staff for guidance by emailing connections@dcccd.edu.

Students can email cares@dcccd.edu to receive answers to their questions.

Some students have had major changes in their financial situation since filing their 2018 taxes. If that is the case for you, you can discuss with Financial Aid about submitting a Special Circumstances Application. Please contact Financial Aid to discuss if you qualify and ask what supporting documentation you will need to provide. 

Emergency aid funds can support you when or if you experience a financial emergency that could prevent you from completing college. Edquity and Dallas College work together as quickly as possible to distribute funds as they are approved. Wait times vary and depend on the number of applications received. If you have not heard about your application within two weeks of submitting, please contact CARES@dcccd.edu.

No, emergency aid does not require repayment and will not interfere with your current financial aid. If your situation changes and you no longer need the emergency aid money you received, feel free to donate that remaining amount to support other students.

If awarded Emergency Aid, students can have the money direct deposited into their bank account. Alternatively, a check can be mailed, but that could take up to 14 business days to be received. 

No. These funds will not affect your Financial Aid award.

No. Students who are determined to have the highest need, as determined by their FAFSA information, are given the highest priority.

There are award caps for the various categories of need. Dallas College will award up to those caps.