United States Employee FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Tab Foundation (RTF) Services
- What is the Red Tab Foundation?
- Who is eligible to apply?
- When might the RTF step in to provide financial assistance?
- Which basic expenses will the RTF help with following a qualifying emergency?
- What are examples of expenses that do not qualify for financial assistance?
- Is there an income limit?
- How can an employee apply?
- Is there a limit to how many times an employee can receive RTF financial assistance?
- What form of assistance is provided?
- What happens if I don’t qualify?
- Can I donate to the RTF?
- Where can employees find more information about the Red Tab Foundation?
What is the Red Tab Foundation?
The Red Tab Foundation (RTF) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides emergency financial aid and education specifically to employees and retirees of Levi Strauss & Co
Who is eligible to apply?
LS&Co. employees with at least 832 hours of service (equivalent of 6 months at 32 hours/week) are eligible to apply for financial assistance.
When might the RTF step in to provide financial assistance?
Following qualifying emergencies such as:
- Illness or injury of a spouse, child, dependent, or employee himself/herself
- Death of a spouse, child, dependent or employee himself/herself
- Natural disaster (fire, hurricane, tornado, etc.)
- Involuntary job loss/layoff
- Emergency car repair (when only means of transportation is not drivable)
Which basic expenses will the RTF help with following a qualifying emergency?
If an employee experiences a qualifying, unexpected emergency, the RTF may provide assistance for the following expenses:
- Past due rent/mortgage
- Past due essential utilities (e.g. gas, water, electricity)
- Past due car payment
- Groceries
- Modest funeral expenses
- Temporary shelter/moving expenses (in extreme cases such as an employee's home is severely damaged from a fire or natural disaster)
- Clothing (in cases where an employee has suffered a loss of clothing, such as a fire or natural disaster)
What are examples of expenses that do not qualify for financial assistance?
The RTF does NOT provide assistance for the following:
- Adoption
- Legal/Court fees
- Fines, penalties, bail
- Back taxes
- Wage garnishments
- Credit card bills
- Debt consolidation loans
- Personal loans / Payday or auto title loans
- Immigration fees
- Moving expenses (except in cases of fire or natural disaster)
- School loans, tuition, supplies
- Maintenance related car repairs (tune ups, new tires, etc.)
Is there an income limit?
The assistance provided by the RTF is need-based so income is an important factor. However,household income is only one of a number of factors used to determine eligibility.
How can an employee apply?
By calling 1-800-544-5498. A RTF representative will assess the employee’s situation and the likelihood of assistance. Once the employee has spoken to a representative, RTF can mail or fax an application form. The RTF can also be reached via email: RedTabFoundation@levi.com
Is there a limit to how many times an employee can receive RTF financial assistance?
Yes. Employees may receive only one grant or loan per qualifying emergency in a 12 month period. For example, if an employee receives a grant or loan for an illness/injury, they cannot apply for the same reason during the next 12 months.
What form of assistance is provided?
Assistance may be provided in four ways:
- A tax-free grant (check), which does not have to be repaid
- A no-interest loan, which is repaid through weekly payroll deductions
- A combination of a grant and loan
- Referral to an alternate resource such as a government or community program
Checks are almost always written out to past-due service providers such as an employee's landlord or utility company.
What happens if I don’t qualify?
If you do not meet the RTF's eligibility criteria, every effort will be made to refer you to an alternative resource(s) for assistance.
Can I donate to the RTF?
Yes. The RTF is a public charity and accepts donations. To make a donation, please call 1-800-544-5498 or go to RTF's website at www.redtabfoundation.org/donate
Where can employees find more information about the Red Tab Foundation?
Employees can call 1-800-544-5498 or go to RTF's website at www.redtabfoundation.org
“Everyone, at some point or another, needs help and it’s good to know that, as an employee of LS&Co., you’re eligible for assistance.
I appreciate all the employees who contribute to RTF and who made this aid possible for me. ” Employee Recipient, USA