• When an employee applies for Hardship Assistance, their application is reviewed by a KBP Cares Advocate to determine the best path forward and identify the most effective way to provide hope, support, and relief.

    Hardship Assistance provides short-term financial support to KBP employees experiencing unexpected life events that create immediate financial strain. The program is designed to help stabilize essential needs and pay basic living expenses when a crisis occurs.

    To qualify, your request for assistance has to be a result of one of the following events:

    • Illness or Injury

    • Transportation: Car repairs, car accidents, theft/crime. (Please note we do not buy cars or provide assistance for general maintenance)

    • Natural Disaster (fire, flood, extreme weather)

    • Death of a Family Member The loss of an immediate family member or a KBP employee, which may create funeral expenses or other financial hardship.

    • Lack of Permanent Housing or housing hardship (we cannot provide assistance for work relocation)

    • Domestic Violence

    • Increase in Family Size (not related to pregnancy)

    • Unexpected Loss of Household Income

    (does not include loss of hours, store closures, seasonal or voluntary job loss)

  • 1. Ask for Help

    • Submit an application and share details about your situation and the assistance you are requesting.

    2.Application Review

    • A KBP Cares Advocate will contact you to review your request and guide you through the next steps.

    • If eligible, you’ll receive a follow-up form to submit bills and supporting documentation.

    3. Approval Process

    • Completed and eligible requests are submitted to the Allocation Committee for final review.

    4. Receive Help

    • If approved, your advocate will coordinate payments directly to the vendors. KBP Cares cannot pay employees directly.

    • If a request is not eligible, your advocate will provide additional resources or connect you with other organizations.

    • The Hardship Assistance program is available to any active KBP employee or employee's on an approved leave of absence

    • Must be experiencing a qualifying hardship that impacts the ability to pay essential living expenses

    • Hardship must have occurred within the past 120 days and be outside of the employee’s control

    • Event must have occurred while employed with a KBP brand

    • Supporting documentation is required

    • Employees may not receive assistance twice for the same event and may receive up to two awards within a 12-month period

    1. Complete the Hardship Assistance application through the KBP Cares application portal

      Application

    2. After submitting, you'll receive a notification that your application has been received. Please monitor your email for messages from a KBP Cares Advocate for next steps

    3. Need help? View this step-by-step guide on how to apply for assistance.

    ‍ ‍Guide‍

    1. Review eligibility requirements before applying to make sure your situation qualifies

    2. Be honest and transparent about your situation. Your advocate is here to assist you through the process. Sharing accurate information helps the team provide the best possible support

    3. KBP Cares has supported hundreds of families during times of crisis. If you have questions, please contact the Cares team for assistance: hope@kbpcares.org