As Hurricane Irma’s track turned toward Florida, most of our associates found themselves living in the meteorologists’ cone of uncertainty; however, our associates could be certain of one thing — Publix would be there. We offered assistance to associates before and after the storm.
United Way
United Way has been providing assistance to associates and their families impacted by September’s hurricanes. If you need individual assistance from United Way, contact your associate relations specialist or the associate services department. Let them know of your needs, and they will be happy to connect you to the appropriate agencies.
PROFIT Plan
The PROFIT Plan, our employee stock ownership plan, also is available to help our associates in the wake of September’s hurricanes. The hardship withdrawal was expanded to assist eligible associates and their family members who sustained damages to their primary residences and personal vehicles from Irma, Maria and Nate.
Hardship withdrawals are available to active associates vested in their PROFIT Plan account. In addition, the associate must not have any other means to satisfy the financial hardship, including money readily available through personal assets, financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and individual insurance policies. The costs covered include insurance deductibles and repairs not covered by insurance.
The temporary hardship withdrawal provision will expire at the close of business on Sept. 7, 2018, for Hurricane Irma; Sept. 28, 2018, for Hurricane Maria; and Nov. 9, 2018, for Hurricane Nate. For more information or to request hardship withdrawal forms, contact the retirement department at (863) 688-7407, ext. 52327.
Missed time from work
With the hurricane threatening the entire state of Florida, many stores were forced to close for both customer and associate safety. When it was safe to return to work, many managers allowed associates to make up any missed time at either their home store or another location.
Publix Employees Federal Credit Union
In the week before Irma made landfall in Florida, Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) expedited membership applications for associates who weren’t currently members or enrolled in direct deposit. This allowed associates to enroll in direct deposit and avoid delays in receiving their pay if they needed to evacuate for the storm.
While Irma has passed, PEFCU’s support continues. If you’re a PEFCU member and live in an area declared a natural disaster area, you may be eligible for an Emergency Disaster Loan. This loan helps cover the cost of insurance deductibles. The 36-month loan features a low interest rate, and the amount is determined on an individual basis and need.
Visit the PEFCU website to begin the loan application process.
Online health services
For approximately two weeks following Hurricane Irma, associates and their family members who needed a doctor had the option to receive online medical and counseling services from Amwell. These services were available at no cost to associates, regardless of whether they were enrolled in Publix’s health insurance.
