What is Employees 1st?

The program is designed to help employees who have had something catastrophic happen in their lives that prevents them from paying for household living essentials.

What services do you offer Employees 1st clients?

The Employees 1st processing team reviews and assesses each application, determines grant amounts, accounts for payments and deposits, and handles paperwork associated with acknowledgements for tax purposes.

How quickly can my company set up an Employees 1st employee relief fund?

Employees 1st works at the preferred pace of our clients, but we can set up an account in as little as 48 hours—a plus when establishing funds after a disaster.

What kind of losses can an employee claim?

An applicant may claim any financial loss resulting from an unexpected emergency that impacts their basic living needs (i.e., home or car damage, medical bills, hotel costs, etc.). Losses of luxury items cannot be claimed (i.e., boats, jewelry, televisions).

How can employees donate?

Employees have the option of making tax-deductible financial donations to their company’s fund. Donations may be made using your preferred payment method, including payroll deductions, credit card, cash, check or stock.

How does our company set up payroll deductions for employees that wish to contribute this way?

Each company should set up payroll deductions the way it normally would for other internal programs. Then send the Foundation a monthly excel document with employee names, addresses and amounts contributed. At the end of the year, the Foundation will send each employee a letter acknowledging their annual tax-deductible contribution to the fund.

Can my company participate in Employees 1st even though we already have our own employee assistance program?

Yes, for companies who already have an employee assistance program in place, our services would act as an additional benefit.

How does an employee qualify for assistance?

The employee must list total monthly household expenses. We calculate to determine if any disposable income is left over. Then we add up the cost of the emergency to determine if the employee can afford to pay for the emergency. If an employee cannot afford to pay for the emergency, the application would be APPROVED for assistance. If an employee can afford the emergency, the application would be DECLINED for assistance.

What are basic living essentials?

The IRS defines this as food, shelter, transportation, medical supplies.

Can Employees 1st present to my company?

Yes, our team would be happy to walk you through the setup, application and reviewing processes, virtually or in person, if applicable. Please contact Randy Riney, Director, rriney@braf.org or fill out our form for more details.