/HealthierU
Employee Assistance Program

The Application Process

The Hardship Fund is a resource for faculty and staff who are experiencing a financial crisis. It is set up to assist with sudden, unexpected events that cause a financial hardship such as a fire, illness, death of a family member, etc. The Hardship Fund is a fund of last resort. 

  • Schedule an EAP appointment and meet with an EAP Coordinator. You will need to speak with an EAP coordinator either in person or by phone prior to filling out the Hardship Fund Application form to get a better sense if you may qualify, and to get assistance with the application process if needed.
  • The EAP coordinator may refer you to additional resources that may be able to help with resolving your situation. Other financial or community resources may also be offered.
  • After your appointment, the EAP Coordinator will provide you with the application materials and next steps. Please note, you will be required to verify the hardship. You will need to provide documentation of the event that caused the hardship and any supporting documentation that demonstrates the hardship.
  • The EAP Coordinator presents the Hardship Fund application and supporting documentation to the Hardship Fund Committee. The EAP Coordinator does not have voting privileges on the committee.
  • The Hardship Fund Committee carefully reviews the application and decides whether or not the application is approved. The committee may request additional documentation or information prior to rendering a decision.
  • The Hardship Fund Committee Chair reaches out to inform the applicants about the committee's decision. 

The Hardship Fund Committee

An EAP Coordinator meets with the Hardship Fund Committee on a regular basis to present applications for committee review. The EAP Coordinator does not have voting privileges on the committee.

Disbursement of Funds

The Stony Brook Foundation (SBF) has partnered with J.P. Morgan Chase to provide Concourse, a secure ACH payment solution for ALL PAYEES of the Stony Brook Foundation. For more information, visit

STONY BROOK FOUNDATION CONCOURSE (opens in new tab)

For questions or concerns, please email concourse_help@stonybrookfoundation.org

What Should I Do If I Don't Qualify?

The EAP Office can offer guidance with additional resources. Go here to schedule a consultation.