1. Policy Statement

The University of Florida recognizes that employees may experience temporary financial hardship due to significant life events such as sudden illness, family crisis, or natural disaster. The purpose of this policy is to outline the eligibility and accessibility requirements to UF’s Aid-A-Gator Program.

2. Applicability

This policy applies to all eligible employees, which specifically includes active faculty, staff and Graduate Assistants, not to include Student Assistants, currently employed by the University of Florida.

3. Definitions

3.1 “Temporary Financial Hardship” This could apply to a variety of financial costs directly tied to the effects of an unexpected, catastrophic life crisis which include impact from Hurricane/Natural Disaster or Sudden Illness to self or immediate Family member or Domestic Partner. This would not include lost wages or lost income.

3.2 “Maximum amount” The maximum amount an employee can be awarded is $1,500 in a calendar year.
Supporting Documentation: Any documentation that is relevant to the specific financial need and hardship you experienced as an unforeseen and temporary hardship. Employees must submit copies of bills/letters/paid invoices/receipts, photographs of home damage and proof of ownership of damaged items.

3.3 “Standard reimbursement rates”: Maximum amounts adopted for fairness and equity for applicants that an employee may be awarded. These rates may change depending on the total available funding available. 

4. Policy Specifics

The Aid-a-Gator Program was implemented in order to offer support to colleagues who are experiencing a temporary financial hardship due to a catastrophic life event as defined in policy. Aid-a-Gator’s ability to provide grants is entirely dependent on donations, as such awards are contingent on funding availability at the time of application.

Qualified employees can be awarded up to the maximum award amount for the following events as a direct result of a catastrophic life event:

5. Review and Adjudication 

Aid-a-Gator applications and supporting documentation are reviewed and awarded by the Central Leave Office to ensure privacy, consistency, access, and equity.  The University of Florida has the right to deny Aid-A-Gator to any employee for any non-discriminatory reason, as the specific circumstances may warrant.

Questions

UFHR Central Leave Office
PO Box 115007
Ph: 352-273-2840
Fax: 352-392-5166
Central-leave@ufl.edu

History