Navigating the FirstService Relief Fund Application Process
At FirstService, we are deeply committed to supporting our team members during times of unexpected financial challenges through the FirstService Relief Fund. To ensure a smooth and efficient application process, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and steps involved. The cornerstone of our assistance lies in adhering to IRS regulations, which necessitate specific documentation.
Understanding the Documentation Requirements
When applying for a Relief Fund grant, you must provide proof of the event that has impacted you or your eligible dependents and evidence of the resulting expenses for which you seek assistance. Some common situations include serious illness or injury, non-routine medical expenses, or the unfortunate event of a death.
Here are the documentation details for these categories:
Serious Illness or Injury and Non-Routine Medical Expense: For these events, you will be required to submit documentation such as an emergency responder report, healthcare provider statement, and FMLA/medical leave documentation. Ensure that these documents include the event date, patient name, illness/injury description, physician’s name and address, and dates of service.
Death: In the case of a death, please provide an obituary, funeral program, or death certificate, which should include the date of death and the description of the relationship to the employee. The Relief Fund extends assistance for various other events and expense categories. We encourage you to consult the comprehensive Supporting Documentation Guide.
How to Apply
To initiate your grant application, please visit firstservicerelief.com and click on the “Apply for Grant” button. If this is your first time using the online grant application platform, you’ll need to register by providing your first name, last name, and email address. Following registration, you’ll receive an email containing a link to access and complete your application at your convenience.
Pro Tips: Keep an eye on all email folders, including spam or junk, for important correspondence. In case you encounter any issues, contact Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF) at 888-497-4114 for assistance.
Before finalizing your application submission, ensure you have gathered and uploaded all required supporting documents. You can upload these documents directly within the application portal, fax them, or email them. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a scanner; you can use your smartphone to take photos and upload them easily.
After Submitting Your Application
Once your application is submitted, here’s what to expect:
1. You will receive an email confirmation from Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF), our third-party Fund administrator. Check your spam or junk folders if you don’t receive it. In case you don’t find it there, please contact EAF at 888-497-4114.
2. EAF will verify your application by contacting your employer, without disclosing the nature of your application, to confirm your eligibility.
3. After verification, your application undergoes an Initial Review. If any information is missing, EAF will reach out to you. Failure to respond within 45 days will result in the closure of your application.
4. Within 48 hours of passing the Initial Review, your application undergoes a final quality check.
5. If everything checks out, your grant will be approved and released. The entire process often takes less than a week, with 32% of EAF’s grants processed within this timeframe.
Throughout the application process, if you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact EAF:
In the US: firstservicerelief@emergencyassistancefdn.org | 1-888-497-4114
In Canada: firstservice@eafrelief.ca | 1-855-278-2363
Helpful Tips
- You have 180 days from your Qualified Event to submit your application.
- Applications will automatically close if 45 days pass without a response from you. If you need additional time to gather your documents, please communicate this to EAF.
We understand that unforeseen hardships can affect anyone. Therefore, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the Relief Fund before the need arises. For more information, please visit: https://purpose.firstservice.com/our-people/relief-fund/
