Catastrophic Guidelines
Mueller Society Employee Catastrophic Emergency Relief Fund – Guidelines & FAQs
Please read before applying for a Catastrophic Fund grant.
Guidelines:
We receive many applications for assistance. Unfortunately, due to the limited funds available, we are not able to grant every request. The intent of the fund is to assist those who face an unexpected and extreme catastrophic situation. (For example: Getting behind in paying bills does not qualify as a catastrophe.) Also, these guidelines refer only to the consideration of an application, not the automatic granting of a funding request.
Applying for catastrophic relief should be considered only as a last resort option. There are already existing programs available to employees that may be a better fit for your particular situation. For example, depending on the circumstances, you may want to check with Human Resources, Employee Care, Pastoral Care and Counseling or the Medical/Social Services Department. You may find that one or more of these departments may be better suited to help you with the assistance you require.
If you apply for Catastrophic Fund assistance the following criteria apply:
- Grants of up to $1,000 are available one time only, per employee, per lifetime.
- You must be an employee of MVH or of one of its eligible affiliated businesses for at least six months to apply.
- The request for assistance must involve the employee or the employee and his/her immediate family member, i.e. spouse or child. (Certain exceptions exist. Please see the FAQs.)
- Referrals from other employees will not be considered.
- No cash is distributed; checks will be made payable to [creditors] only.
FAQs
The following questions and answers have come from past applications. “Employee” refers to any employee of Miami Valley Hospital or one of its eligible affiliated businesses who meets the eligibility requirements for assistance.
Q: What kinds of bills are not considered for payment?
A: Essential expenses only – such as utilities, house payments, food, and transportation to work.
Q: What kinds of bills will not be considered for payment?
A: Non-essential bills such as cell phones, cable TV, Christmas or birthday presents, charge accounts, etc.
Q: Are bills associated with a house fire considered?
A: Yes, these bills will be considered.
Q: Are bills associated with the unexpected loss of employment of an employee’s spouse considered for payment?
A: Yes, but only after all benefits available to the employee’s spouse have been used up.
Q: Are bills associated with the unexpected and serious injury, illness or death of an employee’s parent, spouse or dependent child considered for payment?
A: Yes, but only if the parent, spouse or dependent child lives in the employee’s home.
Q: Are bills associated with the unexpected and serious illness, injury or death of an employee’s grandchild considered for payment?
A: Yes, but only if the employee is the legal guardian of the grandchild.
Q: Can I get a loan from the fund and pay it back?
A: No.
Q: If I am planning on having elective surgery, can I apply to the fund to pay my future bills?
A: No.
Q: Are bills associated with a car theft considered?
A: No. Consult your insurance plan.
Q: Are bills associated with pregnancy considered for funding?
A: No.
Q: Are car repairs considered for payment?
A: No.
Q: Is the purchase of medical or rehabilitative equipment for use by an employee during an illness or recovery considered for payment?
A: No. Please refer to the in-house departments listed above for assistance.
Q: Are bills associated with an unexpected divorce or abandonment situation considered for payment?
A: No. Please refer to the in-house departments listed above for assistance.