Purpose
The UMBC Cares Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund was established to assist eligible employees experiencing an emergency financial need.
Emergencies could include losing housing, reduction or loss of household income due to furloughs or layoffs, and/or unexpected emergencies. This funding is not intended to pay regular monthly expenses or reimburse for expenses that have already been paid.
Individuals should apply for consideration for funding when they have exhausted all other resources, including but not limited to applying for available resources (see below) or government programs for which you may be eligible, using personal credit, arranging payment plans, or other personal resources.
Additional Resources:
- Cashmd.org: offers free tax preparation services, financial education, free enrollment in the Maryland CASH Academy, financial coaching, and a Benefits Screening where you can find out what benefits you may qualify for by receiving a free comprehensive screening.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Guidance Resources: offers information about budgeting, debt management, tax issues and other money concerns from CPAs, Certified Financial Planners and other financial experts.
- Care.com: offers up to 10 days per year of subsidized back-up child or eldercare
Eligible Expenses
Listed below are examples of potential eligible expenses that the employee needs assistance with due to the emergency or unexpected circumstances. This is a representative and not an exhaustive list.
- Assistance with immediate and essential expenses, i.e. food, shelter, utilities.
- Caregiving expenses.
- The sudden and unexpected loss of the primary mode of transportation.
- Significant and unexpected medical, mental health, dental, or prescription costs not covered by insurance.
- Significant and unexpected health care costs that must be paid upfront as a condition of receiving treatment not covered by insurance.
- Unexpected and immediate costs to replace or repair non-working essential appliances, home heating/cooling, etc.
Ineligible Expenses
Here are examples of expenses that may not be eligible for assistance. This is a representative and not an exhaustive list.
- Credit card debt.
- Non-essential utilities (cable).
- Tuition, health club, or similar recurring payments.
- Home improvements or replacement of non-essential appliances.
- Home furnishings.
- Entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel.
Eligibility and Application Process
Applicants must submit an application and meet the eligibility requirements. Each application is considered based on the individual’s unique circumstances. A member of the HR & Strategic Talen Management (HRSTM) team will follow up with the applicant to discuss the funding request and obtain any additional information as needed, including appropriate documentation to verify the circumstances listed in the application.
- An applicant must be currently employed at UMBC as a faculty, staff, or contractual employee (Contingent I, Contingent II, or Adjunct/Contractual Faculty).
- Students and Graduate Assistants are excluded from this program. The Black and Gold fund was established for Students.
- Applicants must demonstrate an immediate need due to a financial emergency or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Appropriate documentation to verify the circumstances listed in the application will be required.
- Documentation may include written notification of a job loss or pay reduction for anyone in the household; a current utility bill for a primary residence that indicates a scheduled shut-off; a notice related to eviction; a repossession notice for your primary vehicle.
- Employees can apply for funds up to $1,000 in any 12-month period.
Applicants will receive a response from an HRSTM staff member acknowledging receipt of the application within 3 business days of submission. A decision may take longer, depending on the documentation received and required follow-up. If your application is approved, HRSTM will work with you on the direct payment of your emergency funds.
Please contact hrbenefits@umbc.edu with any questions regarding the application and/or eligibility process.
Giving & Making Donations
The UMBC Cares Faculty & Staff Emergency Fund is made possible by UMBC community members who contribute. If you are interested in contributing to this important fund, please click the “Contribute” button below.
