Staff Emergency Fund
The SEF is possible because of the support of the Texas A&M University President, the Texas A&M Foundation, generous donors, and the efforts of the University Staff Council. Your gift today helps ensure support is available when colleagues need it most.
About the Staff Emergency Fund
The Texas A&M University Staff Emergency Fund (SEF) was established to provide limited financial assistance to both classified and non-classified staff employees of Texas A&M University, who are experiencing a temporary hardship due to a significant life event. Funds awarded will not be considered taxable gross-income. Awards are contingent on fund availability and other requirements set forth below.
Donate to the Staff Emergency Fund
The SEF relies on donations to provide assistance. Your contribution is critical in helping staff members during difficult times. All donations are matched by the Office of the President, doubling the impact of your gift. Gifts of every size help staff members facing unexpected financial strain. Please consider donating today to make a difference when help is needed most. There are three ways to donate to the fund:
Thanks to the Staff Emergency Fund I was able to get my son a surgery he desperately needed. I was in a tough place and didn't know where to turn for help. Then I remembered Texas A&M offered this. If it wasn't for them I would have had to put off his surgery again and he would have been in constant pain. I will be forever grateful for this fund.
Apply for Funding from the Staff Emergency Fund
Review the eligibility criteria and application procedures below before submitting an application.
Fund Eligibility
- All active, benefits-eligible, non-faculty university staff members are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must have at least one year of continuous employment as a Texas A&M staff member before the application date.
- Applicants must not have received an SEF award within the past two years.
- Assistance is limited by available funding; the average award is $500 per employee, per distribution.
- Only applicants experiencing a *temporary financial hardship will be awarded funds.
- Active members of the University Staff Council are not eligible to receive assistance from the SEF.
*A temporary financial hardship is a defined, time-limited event, including but not limited to the death of a family member, a natural disaster (such as fire, flooding, tornado or hurricane), and/or a serious illness or critical injury.
Emergency funding is not guaranteed and is based on demonstrated need, the short-term nature of the hardship, committee approval and available funds. The full amount requested may not be awarded.
Because funds are limited, not all requests can be approved, even when there is a clear need. The fund may be insufficient in cases of widespread disasters, community crises or war or terrorism.
Application Procedures
To apply for funds from the Staff Emergency Fund (SEF), applicants must complete the online application.
Information provided in the application will be treated as confidential and shared only with individuals directly involved in administering the fund. Applicants should provide clear, detailed information about their situation and include documentation supporting the financial hardship.
Suggested documentation may include a death certificate; invoice, bill or receipt; a letter from a medical provider on letterhead; a police or fire report; or other information that will help the SEF Committee evaluate the request. Any information provided is voluntary, and by submitting it, the applicant authorizes the SEF Committee to review the materials.
Applicants may be contacted by the SEF Committee for additional information or missing documentation, which may delay a funding decision. Applicants will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision, typically within 10 working days after all required information is received.
If an application is approved, the employee will be sent a W-9 to set up direct deposit for the award. Employees without a checking account must still complete the W-9 and will be contacted when a check is available for pickup; a valid photo ID will be required at that time.