Financial Hardship: One month assistance

Written by Matt Young

Overview

A Support Team Member or Site Supervisor can offer one month of assistance to a family in a financially difficult spot. If the family needs more help than the single month, they will need to talk to their Site Supervisor about future payment options.

Allowances

Support or Site can offer up to $100 in credit per family without GM/Jessie approval. 

Best Practice: No more than 50% of tuition is shared, but you will need to use your judgment.

Conversation

Occasionally, parents call/chat with their Site, saying they cannot afford to pay the full amount this month. Reasons can range from Dad having been out of work and just starting a new job to waiting for paychecks to come in or that they had unexpected bills this month, a car breaking down, or a house burning down (—yes, that happened) to waiting on a scholarship application to be renewed.

Look at the balance. If a split would be less than $100, say, "I can split this month with you. Does that work for you?" If the parent says yes, great. If the parent says no, ask, "OK, what can you afford to pay this month?" Even if you comp an entire month ($110), that's okay! 

Notation Required

Customer Support: Complete an Action Form for their Site Supervisor, GM, and Jessie. Add Family Notes detailing the discussion and reason.

Site/GM:  Add Family Notes detailing the discussion and its reason. Include them in your L-10 to discuss the situation with your location.

New Payment for Hardship

Payment Type: 9. House

Amount: enter the amount using the parameters above

Reference/Check #: [Month] Financial Hardship Credit

** Don't forget family notes!