Financial Aid FAQ

The 2020-21 New York State Excelsior Scholarship application is now open. As reported by the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC), the current closure date is August 31^st, 2020.  However, this date is subject to change.  New applicants can submit an application.  Note: COVID-19 has dramatically reduced state revenues and the processing of new applications is pending on Federal assistance, which has been delayed since April. Excelsior Scholarship awards may be reduced and/or prioritized for current recipients as provided for under the program.

There are options available if you have experienced a change in your family or financial situation in the current  2019-2020 academic year as well as for 2020-2021.  Special circumstances such as income loss, or death of a parent may qualify you for additional Financial Aid.  After completing the FAFSA form and/or NYS Aid application listing your school code, contact the financial aid office to discuss available options.  A review process and supporting documentation will be required, at the determination of the college financial aid office.  All documents can be submitted securely to your college by using the CUNYfirst Student Document Upload tool.

As part of the federal government’s CARES Act legislation, eligible CUNY students will automatically receive emergency grants to help cover education-related expenses caused by COVID-19. Eligibility is based on a student’s FAFA on file. No other action is required to apply for or receive these grants – they will be automatically deposited into the bank accounts of students enrolled in direct deposit and mailed to students who have not enrolled. Please visit here for additional information.

The U.S. Education Department has paused interest on federally-held student loans such as Direct Loans, PLUS, and Perkins loans, automatically and retroactively to March 13th, 2020. Visit myfedloan.org for more details. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact your loan servicer for information on deferment or forbearance options.

Students with private student loans should contact their servicer directly for new financing options that may now be available.

Federal Work-Study students are allowed to continue working, especially telecommuting where possible. Speak to your supervisor or your college’s Federal Work-Study Coordinator for any questions or issues

CUNY and BCC have purchased and will be distributing some loaner laptops to those who either do not already have a BCC issued device, or do not have access to a personal computer. Please note that there is a limited number of these additional loaner laptops. For more information visit our Laptop Request & Distribution page.

SPECIAL MESSAGE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Students, we know that this is a very difficult time for you. The Office of Personal Counseling (OPC) is working remotely due to COVID-19, but is still available to help you with free and confidential services. Services are offered via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Facetime and telephone.

To speak to a counselor please call, 718.289.5223 and leave a message.  When leaving a message, please say your phone number twice. A counselor will call you back.

You can also send an e-mail to our Intake Coordinator at Personal.Counseling@bcc.cuny.edu.

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.  Please note that counselors from the OPC are only available during our office hours.

If you are in crisis and you need immediate support or need to speak to someone outside of business hours, please call NYC WELL at 888.692.9355 or text “WELL” to 65173.

There is also a hotline NYC WELL staffed 24/7 with counselors, described as follows:

An infectious illness outbreak such as this one can be stressful to you, your loved ones, and your friends. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping.

NYC Well’s website offers a number of well-being and emotional support applications (apps) that can help you cope. If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help.

You can contact NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.

Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
Text “WELL” to 65173
Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell

NYC Health – Coronavirus Factsheet

Food Insecurity Supports

• If you are experiencing food insecurity, consider checking your available options provided by the Food Bank of New York City.
• If you are experiencing food insecurity, an extensive list of food pantries and soup kitchens in NYC was crowdsourced by various community members.
• The Human Resources Administration created FoodHelp NYC to track pantries and community kitchens through a map.

Resources for Undocumented Students

• The New York State Youth Leadership Council compiled an ongoing list of resources that are open to undocumented students.

Additional Public Services

• The Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF) provides cash assistance and emergency funding to eligible families who may face eviction or an inability to pay a utilities bill.
• Your landlord cannot evict you for having COVID-19 or for being under home quarantine. View guidance on tenant protections related to coronavirus through the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants and contact them with questions or concerns here.

Company Promotions

• In light of housing disruptions due to the coronavirus, U-Haul is offering free 30-day storage to students with a student ID across all its locations.

Student Success Offices – Phone Numbers & E-mails for Immediate Assistance