Emergency Closure

Employee Hardship Assistance Program

The Employee Hardship Assistance Program, funded and administered through the 91tvӰԺ Foundation, provides financial assistance to employees who have been directly impacted by a natural disaster. The program is designed to offer immediate relief for urgent needs, such as temporary housing, home repairs, medical expenses, and other unforeseen costs related to the hardship. By supporting employees during times of crisis, the program reflects the 91tvӰԺ’s commitment to the well-being and resilience of our employees.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Employee Hardship Assistance Program, employees must meet the following criteria:

1. Employee Eligibility:

  • Applicants must be current, active employees of the 91tvӰԺ for the duration of the hardship.
  • Full-time or part-time ongoing employees paid on an hourly or salaried basis.
  • Employees who have a base salary of $105,000 or below.
  • Student and Temporary employees are not eligible for the Employee Hardship Assistance Program, but helpful student resources can be found in the 91tvӰԺ Hurricane Guide for support following a hurricane. 

2. Disaster Type:

The natural disaster must be officially declared by local, state, or federal authorities (e.g., hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or other unforeseen acts of God). The program will provide assistance for disasters impacting employees’ verified residence within a designated disaster or evacuation zone as established by state/local/federal government.

3. Financial Hardship:

Employees must demonstrate that they have experienced significant financial hardship due to the disaster or covered situation that will not be paid for by insurance or other reimbursements. This could include:

  • loss of livable housing due to structural damages caused by fire or natural disaster.
  • death or serious injury of a family or household member.
  • serious illness or injury.
  • temporary financial hardship means a hardship event rather than pre-existing financial difficulties, such as prior past due bills. 

4. Location of Residence:

Employees must reside within a zone officially impacted by the natural disaster (e.g., designated evacuation areas, regions declared under a state of emergency).

5. Documentation:

Employees must submit proof of residence in the affected area and documentation of the financial hardship (e.g., damage reports, insurance claims, receipts for emergency expenses, medical bills).

Grant Amount and Terms

Maximum Grant:

The grant amount will vary depending on the severity of the impact and the available resources, not to exceed $2,500 per household.

Non-repayable:

The grant is a one-time, non-repayable financial assistance designed to address immediate and critical needs. The funds are provided as a tax-exempt grant, subject to IRS guidelines for disaster relief.  Grant payments are treated as nontaxable disaster relief payments; however, the employee is responsible for any taxes found owing on the employee’s portion of the grant payment, as applicable.

Application Process

Submission:

Employees must complete an online , including details of the disaster’s impact and supporting documentation. 

Review and Approval:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by an internal review committee. Decisions will be made based on the severity of need, availability of funds, and adherence to eligibility criteria.

Disbursement Of Funds

Approved requests received during the regular payroll cycle will be directly deposited to the employee’s account as a separate payment. If received outside the cycle the payment will be processes via check and mailed to the employee’s home address on file 91tvӰԺ cannot mail checks to alternative addresses or issue them on-site.

Further Program information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Employee Hardship Assistance Program?

The Employee Hardship Assistance Program, funded and administered through the 91tvӰԺ Foundation, provides financial support to 91tvӰԺ (91tvӰԺ) employees who have been directly affected by a natural disaster. The program aims to address immediate needs such as temporary housing, home repairs, medical expenses, and other urgent costs resulting from the hardship that will not be paid by insurance or other reimbursements.

Who is eligible for the program?

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a current, active employee of 91tvӰԺ.
  • Be a full-time or part-time continuing employee (i.e., not OPS or temporary), either hourly or salaried.
  • Have a base salary of $105,000 or below.
  • Reside within an area officially designated as impacted by a natural disaster.
  • Please note: Student and Temporary employees are not eligible for the Employee Hardship Assistance Program, but helpful student resources can be found in the 91tvӰԺ Hurricane Guide for support following a hurricane. 

What types of disasters are covered by the program?

The program covers natural disasters officially declared by local, state, or federal authorities. Examples include hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other unforeseen acts of God. The program applies to employees whose primary residence is within an affected area, such as a designated evacuation zone or region declared under a state of emergency.

What financial hardships qualify for assistance?

 Financial hardship caused by the disaster can include:

  • Loss of livable housing due to structural damage.
  • Death or serious injury of a family or household member.
  • Serious illness or injury.
  • Loss of transportation.

How much financial assistance can I receive?

The program offers a one-time grant of up to $2,500 per household, depending on the severity of the hardship and the availability of program funds.

Is the financial assistance a loan?

No, the assistance is a non-repayable grant. The funds are provided as a tax-exempt grant, subject to IRS guidelines for disaster relief.

 What documentation is required to apply?

You will need to provide:

  • Proof of residence in the affected area.
  • Documentation of the financial hardship (e.g., damage reports, insurance claims, receipts for emergency expenses, or medical bills).

How do I apply for the Employee Hardship Assistance Program?

Complete the and submit it online along with supporting documentation. 

 How are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by an internal review committee. Decisions are based on the severity of need, available funds, and compliance with the program's eligibility criteria.

How long does the review process take?

The review process is designed to be swift, but the exact time may vary depending on the number of applications and the complexity of each case. You will be notified of the decision as soon as possible after submission.

Can I apply more than once?

No, the grant is a one-time financial assistance meant to address immediate needs following a single disaster.

Can the grant be used for non-disaster-related financial difficulties?

No, the program is specifically designed to assist employees impacted by natural disasters. Pre-existing financial challenges unrelated to the disaster are not covered by this program.

How will my hardship assistance funds be paid?

If your payment request is approved during the normal payroll processing cycle, the funds will be direct deposited into your account as a separate payment, in addition to your regular paycheck.

What happens if my payment request is approved outside of the normal payroll cycle?

If your request is processed outside the regular payroll cycle, you will receive a physical check (also known as a live paycheck). This check will be mailed to your home address on file.

Can I have my off-cycle check direct deposited?

No, direct deposit is not available for off-cycle checks. These checks will be processed as physical checks and mailed to you.

Can 91tvӰԺ send my check to a different address?

No, 91tvӰԺ cannot mail checks to an alternate address that is not already on file in your employee records at the time of payment processing. Please make sure your current address is up to date in the system.

Where are the off-cycle checks mailed from?

Off-cycle checks are mailed from Alpharetta, GA, and will be sent to the home address listed in your employee record.

Can I pick up my check in person at 91tvӰԺ?

No, 91tvӰԺ does not issue checks on-site. All off-cycle checks are mailed from the designated processing center.

If you have any questions, please contact the Central Human Resources Benefits team at benefits@usf.edu


Application Form

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