Purpose
The UMBC Cares Emergency Fund was established to assist eligible Faculty and Staff 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: using personal credit, arranging payment plans, other personal resources, applying for government programs and accessing available resources for which they may be eligible (see below).
Additional Resources:
- FindHelp.org
- 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/ComPsych: offers information about budgeting, debt management, tax issues and other money concerns from CPAs, Certified Financial Planners and other financial experts.
- Care.com: no cost to sign up, employee membership is paid for by UMBC; offers up to 5 days per year of subsidized back-up childcare or eldercare.
- State of Maryland Assistance Programs Resources
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 healthcare 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
Listed below 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
Employees must submit an application and meet the eligibility requirements. Each application is considered based on the individual’s unique circumstances. A member of the Human Resources & Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM) team will follow up with the employee to discuss their application and obtain any additional information as needed, including appropriate documentation.
- An applicant must be currently employed at UMBC as a Regular faculty, staff, or a 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.
- Applicants may submit one application within any 12-month period, requesting up to $1,000.00 in assistance.
Documentation
Documentation is required for each application and must verify and support the circumstances listed in the application. All documentation must have the employee’s full name and/or address as shown in the UMBC payroll system.
Below are some examples of documentation. This is a representative and not an exhaustive list.
- A written notification of a job loss or pay reduction.
- A current utility bill for a primary residence that indicates a scheduled shut-off.
- A notice related to eviction or loss of primary residence.
- A repossession notice for a primary household vehicle.
- Notices showing past due bills.
Application Process
- 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 the application is approved, HRSTM (in coordination with OIA) will work with the employee on the direct payment of the emergency funds.
- Typically, the funds are received by the employee about 4 weeks after their application date.
- Please contact hrbenefits@umbc.edu with questions regarding the application 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.
