OPSEU/SEFPO provides emergency financial assistance for members in good standing who find themselves in dire circumstances. Decisions are made by the Regional Hardship Committees, guided by established criteria, and based on need and available budget.
A retired member that has satisfied OPSEU/SEFPO Constitution Article 6.11 as a member in good standing, and has paid dues of $10.00, is also eligible to apply for Regional Hardship funds.
Request for assistance to the fund must be submitted by the OPSEU/SEFPO member using the Regional Hardship Fund application form (under exceptional circumstances, the application can be completed by an individual advocating on behalf of the applicant).
Hardship Fund Application forms are available for download by clicking here or can be picked up at your Regional Office.
To contact the Hardship Fund committee in your Region, please email:
Region 1: [email protected]
Region 2: [email protected]
Region 3: [email protected]
Region 4: [email protected]
Region 5: [email protected]
Region 6: [email protected]; [email protected]
Region 7: [email protected]
All requests are to be submitted to the Regional Hardship Committee and will be processed in a timely manner and with the strictest confidence.
The Regional Hardship Committees
The Hardship Fund is managed by seven Regional Hardship Committees. Officers are elected at the Regional meeting. Each committee consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, each from different Locals and selected by and from the Regional Hardship Committee.
Up to four alternates are also elected at the Regional meeting. An alternate can only replace an elected member when the elected member vacates the position permanently. If an alternate member replaces a member of this committee, the members may adjust the positions of the committee.
Funding for assistance is provided through the OPSEU/SEFPO annual budget.