Updated: 01/19/2026
MEMBER HARDSHIP FUND – AD HOC
Established: 09/23/2021 under Constitution Article V, Sections 14 and 15 Committee Charge: developing the criteria for, administering, processing applications for, and approving hardship relief awards, for UCPEA members in good standing, up to the annually budgeted hardship relief fund and any amendment thereof.
Committee Membership: The Executive Board shall appoint a chairperson annually who shall be charged with appointing a committee of at least two and no more than five additional members and operating the committee for the stated purposed and in accordance with the UCPEA Constitution and Bylaws. The executive director, or their designee, shall appoint a member of the UCPEA staff to serve as a non-voting member of the committee. The chairperson shall report monthly to the Executive Board on the activities of the committee and the status of Member Hardship Relief Fund.
History: On 12/17/20, the Executive Board voted to establish the Covid-19 Relief Fund and Ad-Hoc committee with a beginning balance of $25,000. The first committee was comprised of Mike White, Marita Decozio-Wiley, Jen Morenus (chair), Ken Best, Donna Hardaway & Katie Parent.
Document linked: Covid-19 Relief Fund In July of 2021, the Executive Board explored renaming the fund and committee to increase accessibility to members in need. On 09/23/2021, the Executive Board voted to establish the Ad Hoc Member Hardship Fund and Member Hardship Fund Committee. The fund has provided $95,600 in relief funds to members by the end of FY23-24. FY 20-21 $28,600 FY 21-22 $27,200 FY 22-23 $17,300 FY 23-24 $22,500
The Executive Board set a $25,000 budget for the fund for FY24-25. In September of 2024, the Executive Board voted to modify the eligibility criteria and remove the requirement of being a member for a certain length of time to simply being a member at the time of applying. (09/26/24 E-Board Meeting) Policy: The UCPEA has set aside funds to provide financial assistance for the relief of extra expenses related to childcare, eldercare, housing, health care, or to help offset a loss of income. To prioritize support for those in greatest need, funds will be distributed on a sliding scale based on annual salary.
Updated: 09/23/2024
This fund is currently available for FY 2024-2025; the Executive Board will decide whether to continue to offer it for future years. This is not a contractual benefit, therefore, only UCPEA members qualify for these funds.
Awards will range from $200 to $500 based on annual salary:
AWARD SCALE
Less than $45,000---------------$500
$45,000 - $64,999----------------$400
$65,000 - $84,999----------------$300
$85,000 - $99,999----------------$200
ELIGIBILITY:
Be a dues-paying member
Annual salary of less than $100,000
Limit of one award per member/family per fiscal year.
Update 01/19/2026
New Award and Eligibility Requirements starting fiscal year 2027
Up to $1000 award
No consecutive fiscal years usage
Revaluation in 2028 to include committee in the constitution
UCPEA Staff to assist committee
If member gets partial award in 2026, they are not eligible for 2027
No cap in salary
Adding communications upon submission and award letter to include AFT financial resources https://www.aft.org/member-benefits/finance-legal and https://www.211ct.org/ information