A trained case manager builds each applicant’s case confidentially using verified employment, financial details, and crisis documentation. Completed cases are reviewed by an anonymous awards committee. Approved grants are distributed swiftly, with award amounts tailored to individual needs to help individuals stabilize and recover quickly.

Yes! Eligibility is determined based on financial need, not hourly/salaried status. Assistance is provided based on individual circumstances and assessed by how urgently the unforeseen crisis has compromised the household’s ability to cover basic living costs.

No! Workplace contribution status has absolutely no impact on eligibility. 

Yes, the application process is completely confidential. Only the dedicated case management team will ever see your application in its entirety. We only ask for the specific information needed to verify your case, and we do not report your situation to outside agencies. Applicants may choose to grant us explicit permission to contact their employers directly, which may help expedite the employment verification process. Keep in mind that employment documentation, including paystubs, is required to process all applications.

Emergency relief assistance is determined based on individual need and available SSF resources.

Housing & Household Stability

• Rent or mortgage assistance
• Temporary housing costs
• Utility payments
• Phone bills
• Other essential household expenses

Transportation Support

• Transportation (rideshare, transit, etc.)
• Car-related expenses (repairs, payments, insurance)

Health & Medical Support

• Medical costs (copays, therapy, medications)
• Insurance premiums
• Medical equipment
• Dental and vision care

Change of Circumstance

• Domestic violence or unsafe living situations
• Lost income due to unforeseen closures or emergencies
• Unexpected caregiving responsibilities
• Immediate family emergencies
• Custody or guardianship changes
• Theft or loss of essential property

Mental Health & Wellness

• Mental health support (non–Behind You states)
• Higher levels of care (Behind You states)
• Prescription costs related to documented mental health diagnoses

• If the applicant does not have at least six months of verifiable employment and working 30+ hours weekly on average (this can be combined jobs across the industry)
• If the applicant does not earn a taxable income (paid in cash), they will not be eligible
• The hours don’t qualify. We use up to three employment verification methods to verify applicants’ hours, but if they do not meet the 30-hour weekly threshold, they likely will not qualify. Exceptions: reduced hours due to a medical crisis that is documented, work and receive SSI (must work a minimum of 25 hours per week if receiving SSI to meet employment criteria). 
• Outside 6-month crisis timeline. The unforeseen crisis must have occurred within the past 6 months from the date the applicant applies to qualify.
• Reduction of hours: If an applicant’s crisis is a loss of income resulting from reduced hours due to reduced sales, slow business periods, economic changes, school closures, reduced work hours, or demotion, we do not consider it a qualifying crisis.
• No unforeseen crisis. The primary consideration is unforeseen crises. Some examples of cases that do not qualify under our crisis criteria include ongoing child support payments that reduce take-home pay, unpaid maternity leave, wage garnishments due to failure to file taxes, inflation, and a widespread increase in expenses due to economic changes. In essence, these things are common cause-and-effect scenarios. 
• No financial crisis. Verifying financial need is an important part of our process. If we cannot determine that there is an urgent financial need, the person may be ineligible.
• Inadequate documentation. If an applicant cannot provide crisis documentation, paystubs, or monthly expense documentation, this may be a reason we do not move a case forward.

Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and funding is determined by the applicant’s demonstrated need and the eligible expenses that Southern Smoke Foundation can support. Our goal is to provide meaningful assistance that helps applicants regain stability in the wake of an unexpected crisis.

Yes, this is a very real need, especially in this industry. Through our mental health program, Behind You, we provide no-cost mental health counseling for F+B workers in California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Those who live outside of the service states can apply for financial assistance for mental health crises through our Emergency Relief Fund.

The Behind You program provides access to 20 no-cost mental health counseling sessions for all eligible food and beverage workers.

You don’t need to be in crisis to be in counseling. Food and beverage workers that live in Behind You states can apply to our Behind You mental health program. Eligibility includes working at least 30 hours per week with a six-month work history, and earning taxable income. 

All you need to do is share the website: southernsmoke.org. This includes applications to both programs. We can also share resource folders and materials to hang in your restaurant. Our Southern Smoke team members are available to set up pre-shifts or present at employee orientations to share more about how the program works and what to expect. 

Yes! For Emergency Relief Fund assistance, we do not provide grants for business-related costs. Instead, we can assist individuals who own or operate F+B businesses with personal expenses, ensuring their lights stay on at home. If an owner/operator has experienced an unforeseen crisis, related or unrelated to the business, that has led to personal financial instability, and has been in operation for over twelve months, and meets our qualifying criteria, they are eligible to apply for assistance. Qualification criteria vary by business. To ensure your business meets our qualifications, we require proof of income and documentation to verify your business. 

Since 2015, we’ve distributed more than $16.5 million to an incredibly diverse and deserving group of F+B workers across the country. Take a look at our Impact Map.