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Department reminds schools about the end of COVID-19 waivers and flexibilities
June 15, 2023
Even though the impact of the national pandemic will likely be with us forever, every day we get a little closer to closing that chapter of our lives.
Another sign of that happening is the Department of Education’s recent announcement, explaining the timeframes for the sunset of COVID-19 waivers. In a June 14 Electronic Announcement, the Department provided general guidance regarding the return to normal compliance with Title IV, Higher Education Act (HEA) requirements.
“Although COVID-19 continues to affect the lives of many Americans, the urgent need for waivers and flexibilities has diminished, and the Federal Government has determined that it is time to end the national emergency and the public health emergency associated with the pandemic,“ the Department said in the announcement.
The COVID-19 national emergency ended on April 10, 2023, and the COVID-19 public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023. According to the Department, these actions “trigger the sunset of many waivers and flexibilities for the Federal student financial aid programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In addition to the general guidance, the Department provided detailed information for the end of CARES Act waivers in the announcement. The Department also reminded schools to review and update their policies and procedures that may have been revised to incorporate COVID-19 waivers or flexibilities.