KBP Cares Hardship Application (2026)
Hardship Overview: Qualifying Events
To qualify, your request for assistance must be the result of a specific, unexpected event outside of your control:
- Illness or Injury
- Transportation- Car Repairs/Car Accidents (please note we do not buy cars)
- Natural Disaster (fire, flood, extreme weather)
- Death of a Family Member or Funeral Assistance (may include funeral-related expenses; does not include travel or time off work for bereavement)
- Lack of Permanent Housing or Housing Hardship (loss of housing or unsafe/uninhabitable living conditions due to circumstances outside of your control)
- Domestic Violence
- Increase in Family Size (not related to pregnancy or maternity leave)
- Unexpected Loss of Household Income (does not include reduced hours, seasonal changes, or voluntary job loss)
Not sure if your situation qualifies? Please contact a Cares Advocate at jhull@kbpcares.org before continuing.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an active KBP employee or on an approved leave of absence
- The event must have occurred within the past 120 days and while employed with a KBP brand
- The hardship must directly impact your ability to pay essential living expenses
- Supporting documentation is required to move forward
- Assistance is limited to one request per event
- A maximum of two awards may be granted within a 12-month period
- Employees should typically be working at least part-time hours; exceptions may be considered for students or other qualifying circumstances
KBP Cares provides short-term support during unexpected hardships to help you stay on track with essential expenses. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, you’re encouraged to apply or reach out to a Cares Advocate for guidance.
Application Process
Here’s what to expect from start to finish:
1. Submit Your Application
Select the hardship you are facing and share details about your current situation in the application.
2. Application Review
After you submit, a KBP Cares team member will contact you by email to review your application. You’ll be asked questions about your situation, and if it meets the qualifying criteria, you’ll receive a second form to provide bills, financial details, and supporting documents.
3. Approval Process
Your request will be reviewed against program guidelines. If eligible, it will be submitted to the review committee for final approval.
4. Payment Process
If approved, KBP Cares pays vendors directly (such as landlords, utility companies, car mechanics, etc.). We cannot pay employees, family, or friends.
Need help getting started? Check out the step-by-step guide:
👉 How to Submit a KBP Cares Application