A Helping Hand When Unexpected Hardship Happens
The Employee Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible TFC and participating member Co-op employees experiencing qualifying financial hardships resulting from unforeseen events.
When life takes an unexpected turn, we're here to help.
Unexpected circumstances can create financial challenges for employees and their families. The EAP is designed to provide a helping hand when qualifying circumstances arise and there are no, or very limited, resources available to resolve the emergency.
Who is it for?
Eligible full-time employees of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative and approved participating member Co-ops who meet program requirements.
What does it provide?
Financial assistance for qualifying unforeseen events that create an immediate financial hardship.
Is it confidential?
Applications and supporting documentation are handled confidentially and reviewed using case numbers.
Who may be eligible?
An applicant must:
Be a full-time employee of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative or an approved participating member Co-op.
Have been an eligible employee for at least one year prior to applying.
Be actively employed and eligible for participation.
Meet the other requirements outlined in the EAP guidelines.
Not sure if your
situation qualifies?
Review the complete EAP guidelines before applying. If you still have questions, contact the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation regarding the application process.
Not sure if your situation qualifies?
Review the complete EAP guidelines before applying. If you still have questions, contact the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation regarding the application process.
How much assistance is available?
Standard Qualifying Event
Up to $2,500
per qualifying event, subject to program guidelines, available funds, need, and committee approval.
Qualifying Natural Disaster
Up to $6,000
per qualifying event, subject to program guidelines, available funds, need, and committee approval.
No more than two awards within a five-year period, with a maximum aggregate award of $5,000 during that period. Approved Natural Disaster awards are excluded from these limits.
What types of situations may qualify?
Natural Disaster, Fire or Flood
Qualifying disasters affecting an employee's or immediate family member's primary residence, including circumstances that make a home deemed unlivable.
Qualifying Illness
Extended, debilitating or acute illness affecting the employee or an immediate family member that creates qualifying financial hardship.
Funeral Expenses
Assistance may be available when an employee is financially responsible for funeral expenses for an immediate family member.
In-Home Family Care
Unexpected expenses related to an immediate family member coming to live in the employee's home and requiring care.
Essential Life Expenses
Certain essential expenses caused by an unforeseen event and immediate financial hardship, such as food, utilities or lodging.
Other Qualifying Circumstances
Submitted applications are evaluated according to the complete EAP guidelines, supporting documentation, and the circumstances of the request.
What EAP does not cover
The program is not intended to replace wages, cover routine expenses or provide assistance for general financial difficulties.
General Financial Issues
Poor financial planning or management, bankruptcy, and routine financial difficulties are not qualifying circumstances.
Loans & Debt
Personal loans, student loans, 401(k) loans, payday loans, credit cards, and loans from family or friends are not covered.
Routine Expenses
Routine vehicle maintenance, routine home expenses, school expenses, and similar recurring costs are not covered.
Other exclusions apply. Please review the complete EAP guidelines before applying.
How to apply
The application process is deigned to keep personal information confidential while ensuring requests are supported by required documentation.
Determine whether you may have a qualifying circumstance
Review the EAP information and complete guidelines.
Complete the online application
Submit the application to the Foundation’s Executive Director through the designated online form.
Provide supporting documentation
You may be asked for bills, statements, account balances, or other documentation supporting your request.
Foundation and Committee review
The Foundation reviews the application for completeness, and complete applications are submitted to the EAP Committee.
Decision and payment
The Foundation communicates the decision. When assistance involves a vendor or essential services provider, payment generally goes directly to the vendor or provider.
Ready to learn
more or apply?
Before applying, review the complete EAP guidelines so you understand eligibility, qualifying circumstances, award limits, and documentation requirements.
Ready to learn more or apply?
Before applying, review the complete EAP guidelines so you understand eligibility, qualifying circumstances, award limits, and documentation requirements.
Your privacy matters.
EAP applications and supporting documentation are handled confidentially. Applications are reviewed using case numbers, and EAP Committee members are required to maintain confidentiality.
Managers should not collect, review, or discuss an employee’s personal financial documentation. Employees should us the official EAP information and application process.
Frequently asked questions
Is assistance guaranteed?
No. Awards are subject to program guidelines, available funds, extent of need and EAP Committee approval.
Will I receive the money directly?
Generally, when assistance involves a vendor or essential service provider, the Foundation pays the vendor or provider directly.
How often can I receive assistance?
An employee may receive an award no more than two times within five years, with a maximum aggregate award of $5,000 during that period. Approved Natural Disaster awards are excluded.
What documentation will I need?
Documentation depends on the situation and may include pay stubs, bills, statements, account balances, or other supporting documentation.
What if I am not sure whether my situation qualifies?
Review the guidelines and application information. If you remain uncertain, contact the Foundation regarding the application process.
Help strengthen the Co-op family.
The EAP is supported through voluntary contributions to the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation. Every gift helps strengthen a resource that could be there for a Co-op employee when they need it most.
Donations are voluntary and support the EAP as a whole. Donations may not be earnmarked for a particular employee or company facility.
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation Employee Assistance Program
When unexpected hardship happens, employees should know where to turn.