how to apply / FAQs
Who is Eligible?
Any currently employed BSRO teammate with an active work status may apply.
How Does One Apply for Funds?
1. Obtain an application from:
the AAF Administrator at administrator@theaaf.com or
Aetna/RFL Resources for Living at 1-800-678-2212
2. Complete the application and attach a current pay statement as well as any documentation
to support your case, such as bills, receipts, etc. based on your request.
3. Return your completed application with all documentation to the Associate Assistance
Fund (AAF) one of the two following ways:
Email to: administrator@theaaf.com
OR
Mail to:
Associate Assistance Fund
200 4th Ave South
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Is the Request Confidential?
ALL requests are kept confidential. One AAF Professional receives the application forms and removes/redacts all names and personal information.
All decisions are made without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability.
What Constitutes a Financial Emergency and What are Some Examples?
The goal of the AAF is to provide relief in the case of a financial emergency or hardship arising from circumstances that were unforeseen, unplanned, and/or uncontrollable.
Some examples of financial emergencies could include (but are not limited to):
- Teammate or family member accident, injury, illness, or death
- Natural disasters, casualty, or fire
- Impending eviction or foreclosure
- Temporary loss of family income
- Loss of vital transportation
How are Requests Processed?
Once a teammate's request for funds is made anonymous, the application (including supporting documentation) is distributed to a committee of team members appointed by the Fund to review each request. This committee of team members weighs the need based on the nature of the request and extent of the relief requested.
Each application is reviewed immediately upon receiving all necessary documentation, particularly for the most urgent situations. Committee members are authorized to make a final recommendation as to the relief.
While every attempt will be made to fulfill every legitimate need, some requests may be denied at the discretion of the Committee.
Are Funds Distributed as a Gift/Grant or Loan?
Since every situation is unique, the final decision depends upon the type of request. Every circumstance is considered depending upon the judgement of the committee.
If funds have been granted and/or loaned to a teammate, the funds are typically paid directly to creditors and/or service providers.
Are There Items the AAF Cannot Provide Assistance for Directly?
Yes. The AAF cannot directly pay medical, dental, and/or legal counsel/charges. However, if a financial emergency arises due to unforeseen and unplanned expenses in these areas, the review committee can direct funds to pay for other necessities such as rent/mortgage or utilities to ease the financial burden, so the teammate can manage those other expenses on their own.
What Are Considered Necessities in Which the AAF Can Provide Assistance?
The AAF is designed to pay for necessities only. While each case is different, generally considered necessities are: rent/mortgage, utilities, car loan payment, and car insurance. Another possible necessity could include cell phone.
Items typically not considered necessities are cable/satellite TV, internet, and recreational items such as boats and other recreational vehicles.
How is the Financial Assistance Determined by the AAF?
The final determination of assistance is dependent on the circumstances and the review committee's assessment of the teammate's situation.
The final determination will be one of the four following solutions: grant, loan, grant and loan combination, or decline.
Will the Length of Service for the Teammate Making the Request be Considered During the Review?
No. A teammate's length of service is NOT taken into consideration on determining whether funds are granted and/or loaned.
Will a Teammate's Previous History/Distribution of Funds from AAF be Considered During the Review?
Yes. While the fact as to whether someone has received assistance in the past does not solely guide the review committee's recommendation, circumstances such as loans still under repayment, timing of previous support provided by AAF, and the frequency of requests could all play a part in the decision process for a teammate's request.
If AAF Funds are Not Provided to the Teammate, What Happens Next?
Even if no financial support is provided through the Fund, the AAF works with AETNA Resources for Living (RFL) to provide other forms of assistance wherever possible.
Reference AETNA's Resources for Living brochure for a complete list of services they provide or call Resources for Living at 1-800-678-2212.
If you have additional questions about the AAF please contact the Administrator via email at administrator@theaaf.com