Hardship assistance is intended to meet the essential needs of its members in their time of need - short term, unexpected financial difficulty or crisis. All hardship assistance is provided on a temporary basis, to a maximum of $499.00 per member, once per calendar year. The Hardship Fund is set out in the Local budget as passed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Any unspent funds during the fiscal year are carried forward each year in order to build the fund, and the fund is reported on by the Executive at each AGM of the Local. Any award made is regarded as a grant and does not have to be repaid. So, if you feel like you could use some support, please apply