What is the Emergency Relief Program?
The Emergency Relief Program was created to provide emergency financial assistance to members in need due to catastrophic illness or disaster. Every year nearly $25,000 is given out to members who are out of sick leave, on sick leave and cannot pay their insurance premium, and members who have major out-of-pocket expenses due to medical emergencies or conditions. In addition, help is available for damage to property caused by fire or flood.
For years, PSE delegates had passed the hat at convention when they heard about a delegate with an emergency. Then in 1994, Executive Assistant Barbara Holst read about a program to help members that the California School Employees Association had. She worked with the Board of Directors to create a similar program within PSE.
Originally the fund was paid out of the PSE annual operating budget. Today, the fund is completely self-sufficient. The Emergency Relief Committee coordinates efforts to raise the money. The primary fundraising takes place at convention with a silent auction and chapter donations. They raise between $20,000 and $30,000 a year.
What is the criteria for assistance?
To qualify for funds, applicants must meet criteria set by the Emergency Relief Committee. The person needing assistance or a chapter officer must fill out an application. The application is reviewed and approved by the Emergency Relief Committee chair. Members may only receive assistance once in a 12-month period. $500 is the maximum annual amount allowable, however, the amount of assistance may be adjusted by the committee chair based on available funds.
How do I apply?
Program guidelines state that the member must be an active PSE member in good standing. Agency fee payers are not eligible. Members may apply for assistance for themselves or immediate family members. Funds are for disaster relief such as property damage, flood, fire, earthquake, catastrophic illness or funeral expenses. Property damage must be such that living conditions are disrupted. The health condition must bar the individual from working for a period of time not covered by sick leave or vacation. Once approved, a check is sent to the individual and notification is sent to the chapter president.
For additional information or to check on the status of your request, contact the committee liaison Kathy Stewart at 253-876-7418 or toll-free at 866-820-5652 Ext. 7418.
Unfortunately, PSE is unable to approve all requests for emergency relief (please see criteria). We have provided a list of additional resources where you may be able to find the assistance you need.
If you need additional resources, please download this document for information on other resources available in Washington State.