The FirstService Relief Fund and COVID-19

The FirstService Relief Fund was designed to support our people during times of unforeseen personal financial hardship. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has created a need for many to seek support available through the Relief Fund.

We know many of our team members may have questions about the Relief Fund and if they would qualify for assistance due to COVID-19. We put together this document to help address questions and concerns.

Is COVID-19 (Coronavirus) considered a Qualified Event?*

Our Fund does not cover those experiencing financial hardship resulting from business closures or shelter in place orders. It only covers those who have experienced hardship as a result of a COVID-19 diagnosis or confirmed exposure.  COVID-19 falls under “Serious Illness/Injury – not paid by insurance for employee or eligible dependent.” This would assist applicants who themselves, their domestic partner, child, or IRS dependent have been impacted as follows:

  • Diagnosed with a serious illness such as the COVID-19 virus

If you HAVE NOT been diagnosed with COVID-19 but are ordered to be isolated or quarantined for a period of time AND you experience a loss of income as a result, you may also apply for a grant under these scenarios:

  • Quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19
  • Ordered by a physician, governing agency, the company, or other healthcare provider to be isolated or quarantined for an extended period 

*Required Supporting Documentation during the application phase would need to include one of the following supporting documents:

  • Notification of quarantine by Company, Emergency Responder Report, governing agency, doctor’s note, or other healthcare professional or,
  • Statement from doctor / physician / health care provider regarding the employee’s or dependent’s illness and under care
  • A note from your healthcare provider, government health official or directly from your company stating that you are unable to work for 5 or more consecutive days due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure
When applying for a grant under these scenarios, applicants need to include all of the items below as part of their Submitted Documentation:
  • The name of the organization, address, and contact information of the notifying party
  • Name of Applicant or Dependent impacted
  • Dates of Service or Expected number of days of impact
  • Description of Illness (if ill)

Here is a list of expenses for which applicants may request assistance:

  • Food (usually applicable up to 2-4 weeks after event)
  • Clothing (usually applicable up to 2-4 weeks after event)
  • RX Medications
  • Significant Medical Expenses
  • Travel Expenses Related to Medical Care
  • Essential utilities (gas, water, and electricity)
  • Mortgage or rent assistance for primary residence

  • Psychological counseling deemed necessary by a physician following event

Have you been financially impacted by the COVID-19 virus?

If you meet the qualifications above, regulations require that there be a determination of need and show that the grants are made for applicants who have difficulty paying the expenses they face due to an unforeseen event. To assist with the evaluation of this grant, you will be asked to provide your household financial information and be required to show proof of financial hardship. Our Fund does not cover those experiencing financial hardship resulting from business closures or shelter in place orders. It only covers those who have experienced hardship as a result of a COVID-19 diagnosis or confirmed exposure.

What type of supporting documentation is needed to show financial impact due to the event?

Applicants will be required to show the proof of financial impact. Examples include proof of medical expenses due to the event or documentation from the organization verifying loss of income due to inability to work. This can be from their supervisor, HR, or an authorized company representative. If the financial impact is due to medical expenses, documentation of those expenses will be required. Any documentation of expenses will need to have occurred after the qualifying event date.

Some hypothetical scenarios include:

As an example: You are ill and/or ordered to be quarantined by your healthcare provider for 3 weeks. The company allows you to use PTO time during your absence for this time. A: You have enough hours of PTO to cover the hours missed, so there is no loss of income and thus there is no financial hardship. In this example, you would not be eligible for grant assistance. B: You only have enough PTO hours to cover 1 week of hours missed, therefore causing a substantial financial hardship and you need assistance. In this example, you would need to provide supporting documentation from the organization confirming your lack of hours which caused a reduction in your income to satisfy the supporting documentation requirement of the financial hardship.

Who can apply for assistance from the Fund?

Applicants must be:

  • An employee, franchisee and employee of a franchisee who is employed, on average, at least 30 hours of service per week, or at least 130 hours of service in a calendar month
  • On approved medical leave or an approved leave of absence for no more than (1) one year

If you think you may be eligible for a FirstService Relief Fund grant, or simply have questions about it, please remember we have a dedicated hotline with trained staff to assist you. Please call 888-497-4114.

For our complete Applicant FAQs, please click here

 

Now more than ever, we are relying on the generosity of our team members to donate to the Relief Fund. 100% of money donated goes directly to help your colleagues in need. No amount is too small, and every dollar makes a difference. To donate, please visit firstservicerelief.com.