CareBack Cash
Extra support when life takes an unexpected turn.
From natural disasters to car repairs, CareBack Cash* helps cover surprise expenses during qualifying life events. Eligible caregivers can apply for up to $2,500 when they need it most.
*The program is available while funds last. It was developed in partnership by SEIU 775 and Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) and funded by donations from CDWA.
CareBack Cash Fund Options
Qualified Disaster Relief
(up to $1,000)
Covers expenses from federally-declared disasters (based on your zip code):
Evacuation costs (transportation, shelter, food).
Medical or hospitalization expenses.
Essential expenses.
Property damage.
Loss of personal property.
Personal Hardship
(up to $2,500)
Covers unexpected personal expenses:
- Medical, dental, hearing, or vision care not covered by insurance.
- Illness or hospitalization.
- Funeral or death related expenses.
- A partner’s job loss or unexpected home/vehicle repairs.
- Military deployment.
- Intimate partner violence, domestic violence, or abuse.
- Being a victim of violent crimes.
Financial Assistance*
(up to $2,500)
Helps with everyday expenses when you need extra support:
- Rent or mortgage.
- Utilities.
- Home or car repairs.
- Food assistance.
- Intimate partner or domestic violence.
- Crime victim support.
*Your household income must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify.
Apply Now
Go to charities.org/SEIU775 to create an account and apply for CareBack Cash.
If you have questions about eligibility, how to apply, status of your application or anything else related to the program, email SEIU775@charities.org.
Due to high application volume, we’re temporarily pausing new CareBack Cash submissions.
All applications already submitted will still be reviewed in the order received. Thank you for your patience during this pause. For any questions, please review our FAQs or reach out to American Charities.
Eligibility
You must be a caregiver who has worked at least 1 hour for Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) at the time of application.
- You must be employed by CDWA when you apply and during the review process. (You do not need to be employed by CDWA when the event happened.)
- You have 6 months from the event to apply.
- You can only receive assistance once per policy and per calendar year.
More eligibility information can be found when you log in to charities.org/SEIU775.
Application FAQ
What happens if I submit an incomplete application?
- If your application is missing information, the Support Team will contact you by email.
- You’ll need to provide any missing documents within 7 business days, or your application will be closed as incomplete.
Can I apply more than once?
You can apply 1 time for each type of qualified event in a calendar year (i.e., 1 for a Qualified Disaster, 1 for Personal Hardship, 1 for Financial Assistance). If your application is denied, you can apply again after 30 days.
When will I be notified if my application has been approved?
Once a completed application is received, you will be notified of the approval or denial within 10 business days. Final decisions will be sent in writing via email.
What happens if my application is denied?
Denied Personal Hardship and Financial Assistance applications are allowed 1 appeal. There are no appeals for approved applications or denied Qualified Disaster applications. Any appeals must contain new information to be considered by America’s Charities and has to be submitted within 10 business days of receipt of the denial.
If you have any questions, you can contact America’s Charities CareBack Cash Support Team by email at SEIU775@charities.org.
CareBack Cash FAQ
Qualified Disaster Relief & Personal Hardship Funds
What types of events are covered?
Qualifying events are unexpected or unavoidable circumstances outside your control. These are usually one-time events that cause an individual to spend their rent, mortgage or utility money on unexpected bills.
The event needs to have occurred within 6 months of the application date.
What types of expenses are covered?
Examples of covered expenses may include things like rent, mortgage or utility bills that are harder to pay because of the qualifying event. Go to charities.org/SEIU775 and log in to see the full list of eligible and ineligible expenses in the policy.
How is hardship determined?
Documentation depends on the qualifying event you are applying for and is subject to change. You will provide the documentation when you apply and it must be in your name or in your spouse/domestic partner’s name. Go to charities.org/SEIU775 and log in to see the documentation needed.
What documentation is required?
Applications are reviewed with the following criteria:
- Documentation that verifies the event and related expenses.
- The severity and impact of the event on you and your household.
- Typical monthly household income and expenses as provided in the application submission.
Financial Assistance Fund
What types of events are covered?
The CareBack Cash Financial Assistance Fund supports you during times of significant financial hardship related to a covered hardship listed in the policy.
What types of expenses are covered?
Covered expenses may include things like rent or mortgage, car payments, utilities, higher education, student debt, credit card debt, travel for medical needs, major home or car repairs, and other hardships. Go to charities.org/SEIU775 and log in to see the full list of covered expenses in the policy.
How is hardship determined?
Hardship is determined by your household income and the financial event.
Eligible households have an income at or below 300% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines (see table below).
Household/ Family Size | 300% of US Poverty Guidelines (2025) |
|---|---|
1 | $49,950 |
2 | $63,450 |
3 | $79,950 |
4 | $96,450 |
5 | $112,950 |
6 | $145,950 |
7 | $145,950 |
What documentation is required?
You will need to submit proof of documented expenses in your name. Requirements depend on each event application and are subject to change. Go to charities.org/SEIU775 and log in to see the documentation needed.