RELIEF Program for Postdocs

Defining “financial emergency” or “unexpected expense”

The OPA considers financial emergencies or unexpected expenses as sudden, non-recurring, and unusual expenses incurred outside of a typical budget. Such expenses will have likely caused postdoctoral appointees a temporary hardship largely out of their control.

Example:

• Paying for a high plumbing bill to repair frozen pipes due to a sudden bout of cold weather may be consider an unexpected expense. Paying your standard water bill is not an unexpected expense.

RELIEF Program Guidelines

The RELIEF program cannot cover for expenses incurred before July 1, 2024.

• All RELIEF applicants must be a WashU postdoctoral associate or postdoctoral scholar both at the time of the application and when the unexpected expense occurred. There are no citizenship requirements for applicants.
• RELIEF funds will be awarded as a one-time reimbursement for actual expenses incurred.
• Up to $750 will be disbursed per eligible postdoc applicant per fiscal year. RELIEF funds will be remitted via direct deposit from the university. The amount may be taxable.
• RELIEF funds will be awarded on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.
• RELIEF funds are not guaranteed and may result in a partial reimbursement, pending volume of applications, funds remaining, and total cost of expense.

RELIEF funds are not loans and there is no expectation of repayment.

Eligibility of Expenses for RELIEF

The RELIEF program cannot cover for expenses incurred before July 1, 2024.

• The expense for which an applicant is seeking reimbursement through the RELIEF Program must meet the definition of a financial emergency or unexpected expense.
• The RELIEF Program cannot support standard, elective, or emergency medical, dental, vision, or insurance-related expenses.
• The RELIEF Program cannot support expenses related to taxes, such as income taxes, tax penalties, or late fees.
• The financial emergency or unexpected expense cannot be resolved via insurance claim, other university benefits or available programs, or other reasonable methods or resources.
• Itemized receipts or paid invoices clearly showing the expenses, identification of the vendor, and amount paid are required.

Important: The RELIEF Program does not support standard or expected expenses, including but not limited to:

• standard living expenses (rent, utility bills, etc.)
• standard childcare (daycare tuition)
• routine visa or immigration costs
• educational expenses
• routine veterinary bills
• research expenses

Evaluation Criteria for RELIEF

Evaluators from the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will review applications and determine eligibility for the funds based on the following criteria:

• A completed application form
• Demonstration of a qualifying financial emergency or unexpected event
• Demonstration of financial hardship or need

All applications will be kept confidential and only the most pertinent information will be shared with WashU staff involved in the transfer of funds.

The RELIEF program cannot cover for expenses incurred before July 1, 2024.