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The WE Care Fund is here to help team members get through difficult situations that may happen from time to time. If you’re here and need help, we want to ensure that you have the information you need to effectively navigate the application process. Below you’ll find an overview of what events are eligible for the program and a few FAQs that will help you apply.

Program Eligibility

We’re here to help. If you are in a difficult situation and need assistance, the first step is to determine if you qualify for assistance from the WE Care Fund. Some questions to ask include:

1) Am I a qualifying employee?

2) Do I have a qualifying event?

3) Are my expenses eligible?

While there is a vetting process to ensure eligibility for the program, the initial qualifiers are that simple. Let’s find out if you may be eligible based on these questions.

Timeline:

• The event and expenses must have occurred after the applicant’s hire date.
• The event and expenses must have occurred within the past 12 months EXCEPT for short-term evacuation (see below).
• The event and expense must have occurred within 45 days for short-term evacuation expenses related to a catastrophic disaster.

Income guidelines:

• Catastrophic Disaster Evacuation: no salary maximum
• Catastrophic Disaster Recovery: income guidelines may apply 120 days after the event

Please review the US income criteria here. Proof of need may be required (unpaid bills, estimates and/or bids).  

Maximum Grant Award:

U.S. and International grant awards: The maximum grant award is up to $2,000 USD in a 12-month period. 

Grant amounts vary based upon the need and expenses requested with each eligible event.

Eligible employee examples:

• Active full-time and part-time
• Full-time and part-time on short-term disability
• Full-time and part-time on FMLA or approved leave

Assistance may only be provided for family members or dependents to which an eligible employee is financially responsible.   

Ineligible individuals:

• Employees on long-term disability or unpaid leave
• Contract or contingent workers
• Temporary, severed, joint venture, or seasonal workers
• Retirees

Eligible disaster event examples:

• Catastrophic Disaster - A large scale disaster event impacting a broader community (Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc.).
• Disaster resulting from an accident on a common carrier (e.g. public bus, ship, airplane, train, etc.)
• House fire
• Terrorist or military action

Eligible disaster expense examples:

• Disaster-related evacuation expenses such as transportation, food, and clothing
• Basic household goods and essential utilities
• Housing-related assistance, including, but not limited to, reasonable repairs

Eligible hardship event examples:

• Accident
• Spouse partner loss of job or income
• Domestic/physical abuse
• Unscheduled Loss of Child Support/Alimony
• Crime

Eligible hardship expense examples:

• Disaster-related evacuation expenses such as transportation, food, and clothing
• Basic household goods and essential utilities
• Housing-related assistance, including, but not limited to, reasonable repairs
• Burial/funeral expenses

Ineligible expense examples:

• Lost compensation due to reduced hours or missed time from work
• Legal fees, garnishments, or expenses associated with divorce or custody cases
• Credit card or personal loan debt
• Elective medical procedures
• Routine automobile/home repair or those due to deferred maintenance
• Tuition

How to Apply?

Step 1

Click the apply button - Create an online account or log in (if you have already created an account) to access the application page, then complete the application with the requested information.

Step 2

Submit your application - Complete the requested information, upload the required supporting document and submit for review.

Step 3

Breathe easier - A grant specialist will review your application and contact you if more information is required. 

Supporting documents are necessary for evaluating and determining the eligibility of the grant request. Applicants should include all documentation that verifies their inability to pay basic living expenses.

• Most recent pay stub and pay stubs that reflect income prior to event for the employee and any household members
• Most recent federal income tax return(s) of the employee and any household members
• Past due bills and/or eviction notices
• Police or fire reports
• Death certificate
• Court documents
• Hotel/lodging receipts (in the case of evacuation)
• Insurance claims forms
• Repair estimates on company letterhead
• Invoice from funeral home

Note: When submitting documentation, remove/mark through any confidential data such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers.

What Happens Next?

Once your application is received, you will receive a notification confirming your application has been submitted. If additional information is necessary to move forward, you will receive an email outlining what documentation our team needs. Upon receipt of all supporting documentation, a grant specialist will review and make a decision regarding your request. If approved, a grant distribution will be made based on your payment preference selected in the application. Check back daily to see the progress of your application as it moves through the review process.