Whether you have questions from students or families, or about how to process financial aid in light of COVID-19, these resources can help.
We know that many of you who work in financial aid offices are being impacted greatly by changing circumstances surrounding COVID-19. From school closures to canceled graduations, to student financial aid changes, and more. Finding the answers you need to do your job is challenging as you navigate working from home, handling K-12 school closures that impact your family situation, and doing your part to keep everyone healthy.
We understand, we care – and we’re here to help in the best way we can. There are resources available to help you find the answers you need.
The U.S. Department of Education has set up a Coronavirus Info page for school personnel to address questions related to impacts of the virus on K-12 and postsecondary schools. You can also find answers to many student questions and borrower questions on a Coronavirus Information page on studentaid.gov. You’ll also find official Electronic Announcements and Dear Colleague letters on timely topics are available on the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) website.
Your borrowers may want to request a deferment or forbearance or make a change to their repayment plans based on work or school closures, illness, or financial hardship. In order to do this, they’ll need to reach out to their federal student loan servicer for assistance.
The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) has established the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Web Center as a resource within its site to help address financial aid questions. NASFAA AskRegs Q&A provides answers to many of the questions you may have – for example, “Can a federal work-study student work remotely due to coronavirus?” The organization recently held a webinar, COVID-19 and Federal Student Aid: What We Know, which is now available on-demand from this page.
We know that the financial aid listserv is an active forum for discussing important current topics, and we notice it has been very active in response to changes related to COVID-19, coronavirus. While you may find support, helpful ideas, and referrals to additional resources there, we recommend using care when it comes to making changes to financial aid without consulting an official resource such as Federal Student Aid or information found on the IFAP website.
We understand this is a challenging time. We’re here for you, and we’re in this together. If you have questions for us, please contact your ScholarNet rep, our Care Team, or reach out to us on LinkedIn.