Free Cup Fund Application PDF Template

1. What is the CUP Fund?

   The CUP (Caring Unites Partners) Fund is a program introduced by Starbucks Coffee Company in 1999, designed to assist partners (employees) who are facing significant immediate financial hardship due to catastrophic circumstances beyond their control. This includes, but is not limited to, illness, injury, death, natural disaster, or other significant situations.

2. Who can apply for assistance from the CUP Fund?

   All Starbucks partners are eligible to apply for assistance immediately upon hire. There’s no requirement to contribute to the Fund to request assistance.

3. How is the CUP Fund supported?

   The CUP Fund relies solely on contributions from partners and fundraising activities. Partners can contribute through payroll deductions, by signing up using a pledge form available in new-hire paperwork, on Starbucks Online, the Partner Portal, or by sending checks to the designated address. Contributions are not tax-deductible.

4. What should be done before applying for assistance?

   Before applying for the CUP Fund, applicants should exhaust all available resources such as employee assistance programs, health coverage, sick pay, disability income benefits, and family or community resources.

5. How does the application process for the CUP Fund work?

   The application process involves completing a form available on Starbucks Online, the Partner Portal or through a manager. After submission, the Benefits Department will contact the applicant within three business days for further information. The application will be treated with confidentiality, and additional details including employment performance and personal information may be reviewed.

6. What criteria are used to distribute assistance from the CUP Fund?

   Assistance is given based on catastrophic circumstances outside the applicant's control, with immediate and unexpected financial responsibilities and insufficient personal resources to meet these responsibilities. Financial needs eligible for assistance are guided by a list provided in the guidelines but are not limited to such.

7. What are the exclusions for receiving assistance from the CUP Fund?

   Funds will not be made available for routine living expenses, payment of traffic or other court-related fines, reduced income due to variance in scheduled hours, other personal debts, or loss of or damage to personal property that does not impact safety or ability to meet monthly expenses, among other exclusions.

8. Can someone reapply if they have previously received a grant from the CUP Fund?

   Partners are eligible to reapply if they have not received a grant from the CUP Fund in the last three years, do not have available savings or stock options, and meet the initial eligibility requirements regarding their standing with Starbucks.

9. How can one contribute to the CUP Fund?

   Partners can contribute to the CUP Fund via payroll deductions by filling out a pledge form found in their new hire paperwork, on Starbucks Online, the Partner Portal, or by sending a check to the designated address.

10. Where can more information or assistance with the application be found?

    For further information or assistance, partners can contact the CUP Fund directly at 1-888-796-JAVA, extension 8CUPS.

1. One common mistake is neglecting to fully explore and document all available resources before applying for assistance. Applicants sometimes fail to detail their interactions with employee assistance programs, health benefits, and other financial aids they have access to, like family or community resources. This lack of detail can make it difficult for the Benefits Department to assess the true level of need, as the Caring Unites Partners Fund (CUP Fund) guidelines emphasize the importance of applicants seeking other forms of support before applying.

2. Another frequent error involves inaccurately reporting financial information. Applicants might overlook or mistakenly report their earnings, additional sources of income, or their savings and investment statuses. Since the CUP Fund considers applicants' financial situations closely—including savings, stock options, and the impact of payroll garnishments—providing incomplete or inaccurate financial data can significantly affect the outcome of the application.

3. Applicants sometimes provide insufficient documentation of their situation. Supporting documents, such as medical payment plans, police reports, or eviction notices, are crucial for verifying the catastrophic circumstances claimed. An application without the necessary documentation to back up the claim might result in delays or the denial of assistance, because these documents are vital for evaluating the immediacy and severity of an applicant’s need as per the program’s guidelines.

4. Finally, a common mistake is not clearly articulating the specific use for the requested funds. The application form asks applicants to specify how they plan to utilize the assistance, which requires a clear statement of intent. Without a detailed explanation or plan, it becomes challenging for the Benefits Department to determine whether the assistance will effectively meet the applicant's immediate financial need, or if alternatives might provide more suitable or ample relief. This step is crucial in the decision-making process, as the fund aims to ensure that the financial assistance provided has a meaningful impact on the applicant’s situation.

The Cup Fund Application form is an essential step for Starbucks employees (partners) seeking assistance during challenging times. Understanding that this process may require additional documentation and forms, it’s important to be prepared. Here are seven common documents and forms often used alongside the Cup Fund Application form, each serving a vital role in ensuring the application is comprehensive and well-supported.

• Payroll Deduction Authorization Form: This form is used to set up or change payroll deductions for contributions to the CUP Fund or other supported initiatives. It ensures that contributions are correctly deducted from the partner's paycheck.
• Employment Verification Letter: Often requested to confirm the applicant's employment status and salary with Starbucks. This letter serves as proof of employment and can be critical for determining eligibility for the CUP Fund assistance.
• Medical Payment Plan Documentation: Required when applying for assistance due to medical expenses. This documentation outlines the payment plan agreed upon with healthcare providers, demonstrating the financial obligation and need for support.
• Police Report: In the case of theft, vandalism, or other incidents that lead to financial hardship, a police report is a necessary document. It serves as official proof of the incident and supports the request for aid.
• Eviction Notice or Lease Agreement: If seeking assistance for housing-related financial distress, a copy of an eviction notice or the current lease agreement may be required. These documents verify living arrangements and impending financial obligations.
• Rental Assistance Application Form: Some partners may need to apply for rental assistance in addition to the CUP Fund. This form gathers detailed information about the partner’s housing situation, monthly rent, and the assistance needed.
• 401(k) Loan Application: For partners considering a loan from their 401(k), this application is necessary. While not directly related to the CUP Fund, it’s often considered as an alternative financial resource before seeking assistance.

While the Cup Fund Application is a critical tool for partners in need, these additional forms and documents play a supportive role in painting a comprehensive picture of the applicant's situation. Together, they ensure that the request for assistance is well-documented and that all available resources are considered, streamlining the process for both the applicant and the administrators of the Cup Fund.

• Employee Assistance Program Application: Similar to the CUP Fund Application, it helps employees in distress by offering various supports such as counseling services, financial planning, and legal advice. Both focus on providing aid to employees undergoing significant hardships and require applicants to describe their situation and requested assistance.

• Medical Hardship Application Forms: These forms, like the CUP Fund Application, are for requesting financial assistance due to medical expenses resulting from illness or injury. Both types of applications assess an applicant's financial situation, available resources, and the immediate need for aid.

• Disaster Relief Fund Application: Designed to provide financial aid following natural disasters or catastrophic events, these applications share similarities with the CUP Fund Application in terms of assessing the immediate needs and resources of the applicants affected by unforeseen circumstances.

• Life Insurance Hardship Withdrawal Forms: Although these forms pertain to accessing funds from a life insurance policy under difficult circumstances, they resemble the CUP Fund Application by requiring detailed information about the applicant's financial status, the nature of their hardship, and the absence of other available resources.

• Nonprofit Emergency Grant Applications: These applications are for individuals seeking emergency financial assistance through nonprofit organizations, similar to how the CUP Fund operates. Both necessitate a detailed explanation of the hardship, the intended use of the funds, and an assessment of other possible financial aids.

• Community-Based Financial Aid Forms: Used by community organizations to distribute aid, these forms closely match the CUP Fund Application in intention and structure. They require applicants to detail their financial need, circumstances leading to their application, and a lack of other available resources.

• Scholarship Hardship Applications: While generally used for educational purposes, these applications can demand detailed personal and financial information from applicants who are facing hardships, analogous to the requirements of the CUP Fund Application for providing clear evidence of an immediate and significant financial need.

When filling out the Cup Fund Application form, closely adhering to guidelines and providing accurate information is essential for a smooth and successful application process. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Read the guidelines carefully before starting your application to ensure your request aligns with the program's aim and requirements.
• Gather and attach all necessary documentation to support your application, including medical payment plans, police reports, eviction notices, or rental agreements as applicable.
• Provide thorough details about your current situation and the financial need arising from a catastrophic circumstance, ensuring clarity and completeness.
• Be honest and accurate when disclosing financial information, including income sources, savings, monthly expenses, and the specific amount requested from the Cup Fund.
• Ensure your application is complete with all required fields filled out, including your contact information, to avoid delays in the review process.
• Check your employment status to confirm you meet the initial eligibility criteria, such as being in good standing with Starbucks.
• Utilize other resources first, such as employee assistance programs, health coverage, and community services, as advised.

• Do not leave sections incomplete, especially those requiring detailed explanations of your financial need and how you plan to use the funds.
• Avoid exaggerating or underreporting your financial situation. Misrepresentation can affect your eligibility and the outcome of your application.
• Do not apply for routine living expenses or non-catastrophic financial needs, as these are outside the scope of the CUP Fund's intent.
• Resist the temptation to submit without reviewing. Double-check your application for accuracy and completeness to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Do not forget to consider all available resources before applying, and clearly indicate these in your application to demonstrate due diligence.
• Avoid waiting until the last minute to apply if you are facing an immediate financial crisis. Prompt submission ensures timely review and assistance.
• Do not hesitate to seek clarification or assistance from your manager or Partner Resources if you have questions about the application process.

There are several misconceptions about the CUP Fund Application form and the program it supports. Understanding these inaccuracies can help clarify the process and eligibility, making it easier for Starbucks partners to seek assistance if needed. Below are seven common misunderstandings and the truths behind them:

• Only those who contribute to the fund can apply: One widespread belief is that only those who have made contributions to the CUP Fund are eligible to apply for assistance. However, all partners, regardless of whether they have contributed to the fund or not, can apply for assistance upon hire.
• Assistance is available for routine expenses: Another misconception is that the fund can be used to cover regular, everyday expenses. The CUP Fund is specifically designed to aid partners facing significant, immediate hardship due to catastrophic circumstances beyond their control, not to assist with routine living expenses like car repairs or monthly bills.
• Any type of financial need is covered: While the CUP Fund covers a range of financial needs stemming from catastrophic events, it does not cover all types of financial needs. For instance, it won't provide assistance for court-related fines, reduced income due to schedule changes, personal debts, or elective services.
• The fund grants are only for medical expenses: While part of the fund can indeed assist with out-of-pocket medical expenses, it is not limited to this. It also helps with other types of financial needs caused by catastrophic events, such as loss of income, funeral expenses, and costs related to natural disasters.
• The application process is long and invasive: Some might think applying for CUP Fund assistance is a lengthy and overly detailed process that invades their privacy. In reality, the application is straightforward, and privacy is highly respected. The required information helps the Benefits Department understand the situation better and decide on the assistance.
• Applicants need to repay the assistance: There's a belief that any financial help received from the CUP Fund must be repaid. This is not the case. Assistance granted from the CUP Fund does not need to be repaid; it's designed to be a safety net for partners in times of dire need.
• Only full-time partners are eligible: Another common misunderstanding is that eligibility is restricted to full-time partners. However, all partners, regardless of their employment status (full-time or part-time), are eligible to apply for assistance as soon as they are hired.

Dispelling these misconceptions can empower Starbucks partners by providing clear, accurate information about the CUP Fund and how it can support them during challenging times.

Filling out and using the Cup Fund Application form involves several key steps designed to assist Starbucks partners in times of financial need. Understanding these steps can help partners navigate the process more effectively. Below are five important takeaways about the application form and the process:

• The CUP Fund is aimed at providing support to Starbucks partners facing significant, immediate financial hardship due to catastrophic circumstances outside their control. Eligible scenarios include illnesses, natural disasters, and the death of a close family member.
• Partners are eligible to apply for CUP Fund assistance immediately upon being hired, emphasizing the company's commitment to providing a safety net for its employees. Importantly, partners do not need to contribute to the Fund to be eligible for assistance.
• Before applying for assistance from the CUP Fund, partners are encouraged to explore all other available resources. This includes employee assistance programs, health coverage, disability income benefits, and family or community resources. Demonstrating an understanding of these resources and why they may be insufficient is an important part of the application process.
• The application must be completed with detailed information about the financial need and the circumstances causing it. This includes a description of the situation, the date of occurrence, and any available resources that have already been explored. Documentation supporting the request for assistance, when applicable, should also be provided.
• There are criteria and exclusions to consider when applying for CUP Fund assistance. For instance, routine living expenses and personal debts are generally not covered. Understanding these exclusions can help set realistic expectations about the type of support the Fund can provide.

The intention is to ensure fairness and provide much-needed support to partners during difficult times, while maintaining the sustainability of the Fund. Therefore, applicants are reviewed based on their immediate financial needs caused by circumstances beyond their control, without sufficient resources to meet those needs. Following the guidelines closely and providing thorough, accurate information can increase the likelihood of a favorable review.