Facing unexpected hardships can be overwhelming, especially when they impact your financial stability. At Albertsons Companies, we understand that our associates are the heart of our business, and we are committed to supporting you through challenging times. That’s why we established the Safeway We Care Program, a dedicated initiative designed to provide financial assistance to eligible associates facing qualified relief situations and emergency personal hardships.
Types of Assistance Offered Through the We Care Program
The Safeway We Care Program is here to help Albertsons Companies associates navigate various difficult circumstances. A designated committee of Albertsons Companies associates carefully reviews each application to ensure fair and equitable distribution of funds. Assistance is available for situations such as:
- Home Catastrophe or Natural Disaster: If you’ve experienced a devastating event like a hurricane, fire, flood, or tornado, the program can provide funds to help you secure or restore a safe and habitable residence.
- Funeral and Emergency Travel Expenses: We can help with funeral or travel costs associated with attending a funeral or caring for a terminally ill associate or immediate family member.
- Personal or Medical Emergencies: Unexpected accidents or illnesses affecting you or your family can lead to significant financial strain. The program can assist with lost income due to these events, out-of-pocket healthcare expenses (not covered by payment plans), care for critically ill family members, and other non-medical emergencies like theft or domestic violence. Support is also available if your spouse or domestic partner experiences job loss.
- Military Deployment: For associates or their spouse/domestic partner facing military deployment, the program offers initial financial assistance to help manage the transition.
What Kind of Support Can You Receive?
The Safeway We Care Program aims to alleviate immediate financial burdens by providing grants that can be used for essential needs. These grants can help cover expenses such as:
- Rent or Mortgage Payments
- Clothing
- Food (excluding tobacco and alcohol products)
- Medical Bills and Prescriptions not covered by insurance plans
- Utility Bills
- Other essential needs as determined and approved by the We Care Committee
It’s important to note that applications may be declined if the hardship arises from specific actions or inactions of the associate, such as:
- Credit card debt management issues
- Bankruptcy filings
- Gambling-related debt
- Divorce proceedings
We are dedicated to offering comprehensive support to reduce your financial stress. In addition to the We Care Program grant, we strongly encourage you to explore these valuable resources for further financial guidance: Financial Guidance for Tough Economic Times and Financial Wellness Resource Guide. These guides offer additional financial counseling resources that can be instrumental in overcoming financial challenges. If you have any questions about the program or these resources, please feel free to contact [email protected].
Understanding Grant Amounts and Tax Implications
Grants awarded through the Safeway We Care Program can be approved up to $3,000. Importantly, these grants are tax-exempt for the recipient, providing direct and impactful financial relief when you need it most.
Who is Eligible for the Safeway We Care Program?
To be considered eligible for a grant from the Safeway We Care Program, associates must meet certain criteria:
- Good Standing: Applicants must be associates in good standing with Albertsons Companies. Generally, associates under a Last and Final Warning or Performance Action Plan are not considered in good standing, except in extraordinary circumstances.
- Hours Worked: Associates must have worked at least 20 hours within the 60 days prior to application, or be on a qualified leave of absence.
- Current Employment: Applicants must be actively employed by Albertsons Companies when the grant check is issued.
- Family Members: Applications can also be submitted on behalf of the family of a deceased associate. A family member is defined as a relative or domestic partner residing in the same household as the associate (primary domicile), with exceptions considered for grandparents and grandchildren.
- Application Limit: Initially, funding is designated for U.S. associates only, and associates are generally limited to one application per year, except in very rare and exceptional cases. Only one application per household will be considered for the same personal hardship or natural disaster event.
How to Apply for the Safeway We Care Program
The application process for the Safeway We Care Program is designed to be straightforward. To apply, please use [this link] to create an account and complete the online application for funds. It is crucial to provide comprehensive documentation to support your application. Required documentation may include:
- Recent pay stubs for all working adults in your household.
- Estimates or Invoices related to your hardship.
- A medical statement from a certified healthcare professional, if applicable to your situation.
- Prior year’s tax returns, if readily available.
- A signed Statement of Truth from the associate.
Tip: Providing clear, detailed information and thorough documentation is highly recommended. The more comprehensive your application, the stronger it will be, and the faster the We Care Committee can process your request.
The We Care Committee carefully reviews all validated applications from the local HR team. A majority vote from the committee members is required for grant approval. After submitting your application, you will be notified of the committee’s decision as quickly as possible. If your application is approved, please allow up to 3 weeks to receive your grant check.
The Safeway We Care Program is a testament to Albertsons Companies’ commitment to its associates. We are here to support you through life’s unexpected challenges. Don’t hesitate to apply if you believe you are eligible and are facing a qualifying hardship.
