Emergency Services Newsletter - Southeastern PA

Client Assistance Cards

Laws regarding banks, ATMs and reimbursements, have forced us to reevaluate our in-house process concerning how long Client Assistance Cards (CAC) remain active after a client receives them.

ALL CARDS WILL BE CLOSED ONE WEEK AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED (seven days active, closed on the 8th day). All responders must notify clients of this when they provide a card. 

Our standard message concerning financial assistance remains the same - if the clients’ needs truly are emergency needs, than they will be taken care of  right away. Needing clothes a month from now is not an emergency need.  If you encounter a situation that may warrant financial assistance beyond the first week, the client must talk to the caseworker at Red Cross House assigned to his or her case to receive further assistance. 

None of our assistance or services are changing with this new policy - the only thing that changes is the life of each client assistance card. The one-week expiration should be communicated to the clients along with information on the appropriate way to use the card to assist in recovery.