COVID-19 Emergency Aid

Wake Tech recognizes that students may encounter special circumstances or emergencies because of the COVID-19 pandemic that affect their education. The college has received Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) money under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplement Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to support eligible students with costs of attendance or emergency costs caused by the pandemic.

Any student who has experienced financial challenges due to the pandemic can apply for COVID-19 Emergency Aid funds. Please note this process may take up to six weeks to receive payment. Students with immediate needs for food, textbooks or technology should check with Wake Tech's CARE Center for help.

COVID-19 Emergency Aid funds provide emergency assistance to students to cover expenses related to the disruption of their education due to the pandemic, including the following:

  • Tuition
  • Course materials
  • Food
  • Housing
  • Utilities (including internet)
  • Health care (including mental health)
  • Child care
  • Car repair
  • Transportation (including gas)
  • Loss of income
Curriculum student application

If you need assistance with the application process, email [email protected].

Non-credit student application

If you need assistance with the application process, email [email protected].

  1.  Log in with your Wake Tech user ID and password
  2. Answer all questions and include required documentation as listed on the application. Documents may be uploaded within the application.
  3. Before submitting, carefully review the verification statement at the end of the application. If you cannot verify that you are experiencing any financial challenges due to the pandemic, you should not apply.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I’m eligible for COVID-19 emergency aid?

Students enrolled at Wake Tech in credit courses must be at the 10% point in their course(s) and attest that they are experiencing financial challenges related to the pandemic.

Non-credit students in occupational education courses also must be at the 10% point, while College and Career Readiness students are considered enrolled after completing 12 hours of instruction.

HEP students are not eligible.

If a student owes a balance to Wake Tech, the college will not deduct any costs from the emergency aid funds, but the outstanding balance will remain on his or her account.

Are Career and College Promise students eligible to apply?

Yes. Students enrolled in Career & College Promise (CCP) are eligible to apply for Wake Tech COVID-19 Emergency Aid funds. CCP students must attest that they are experiencing financial challenges related to the pandemic.

I'm enrolled in a motorcycle basic rider course. Am I eligible?

No. Self-supporting and community service programs do not meet the enrollment criteria for grant funds.

I am receiving financial aid from Wake Tech. Am I still eligible to apply for emergency aid?

Yes. Even if you have received other financial assistance from Wake Tech, you are still eligible to apply. If you are awarded these funds, it will not affect your financial aid package.

I am registered for a class for next semester. When should I apply for COVID-19 emergency aid?

A Wake Tech student is considered enrolled once they have met the 10% point in a class.

What if my class is already over?

Even if your class has recently ended, you may still be eligible to receive funds.

If I am enrolled in both degree and non-degree programs, should I submit two applications?

No. If you are currently enrolled in both degree and non-degree programs, you should submit the application for degree students.

How is my COVID-19 Emergency Aid grant determined?

Wake Tech determines the amount of the grant by considering the information provided on the application and related documentation.

When and how will I receive COVID-19 emergency aid funds?

If your application for COVID-19 emergency funds is approved, you will be notified by email. Funds will be disbursed to approved financial aid students through BankMobile.

Students not receiving financial aid, including non-credit and Career & College Promise students, will receive funds by check. Checks will be sent to the mailing address you have on file with Wake Tech. It may take up to six weeks to receive payment.

Are these funds taxable?

No. These emergency aid funds are not part of your gross income for tax purposes. Visit the IRS website or contact the IRS for more guidance.

How can I use my COVID-19 emergency aid funds?

How you use these funds is your choice. We hope you’ll carefully consider your personal and educational expenses for your cost of attendance, so you remain on the path to completion. We cannot guarantee availability of future funds.

I have not received any information about my COVID-19 emergency aid application.

If you submitted your application more than two weeks ago, you may check on the status of your application by emailing [email protected]. Incomplete applications or missing documentation will delay review of your application. Applications are not reviewed when Wake Tech is closed.

If my COVID-19 emergency aid application was denied, may I appeal the decision?

Yes. If your financial situation has changed since your application was submitted, you may submit an email to [email protected]. 

Appeals must include the following information: 

  • Name 
  • Student ID number 
  • Wake Tech email address 
  • Phone number 
  • Detailed information on changes to your current financial situation and how it is related to COVID-19 

All appeals decisions will be final.

My financial status has changed since I submitted my FAFSA. Can I update it?

If you have special financial circumstances or your financial situation has changed because of the pandemic, such as you lost your job, a parent lost their job, your income significantly changed or you have other financial hardships, the Financial Aid Office may be able to adjust your financial aid package in consideration of your new income or other financial information that has changed. Email finaid@waketech.edu for assistance.