Last updated January 15, 2025
Kaiser Permanente is offering a number of disaster assistance programs and resources for employees impacted by the Southern California wildfires. Information posted is subject to change. Revisit this page and all linked information frequently for updated information during this developing situation. (Physicians: please visit the physician portal for information about available disaster programs and resources).
IMPORTANT: Deadline to apply is March 8, 2025. You must be logged into the KP network to access the online assistance application forms. If you are unable to do so, your manager or a HR representative can complete the forms on your behalf.
Short-term emergency grant of up to $500 [1]
- For employees displaced from their primary residence under a mandatory evacuation order.
- For urgent and immediate needs such as food, clothing, and temporary shelter.
- Grant is per employee, includes on-call and temporary status.
Short-term grant of up to $5,000 (Loss of Homes) [2]
- For employees who have a total loss of their owned or rented primary residence.
- Grant is one per household.
Emergency loan of up to $10,000 [1]
- For employees awaiting other forms of emergency financial aid, such as federal programs and insurance claims due to a full or significant loss of their primary residence.
- In the form of an interest-free loan requiring completion of an Emergency Loan Application and Promissory Note that stipulates payback via payroll deduction over 36 months beginning three (3) months after approval.
- Loan is one per employee.
Reimbursement for accommodations [1]
- For employees whose owned or rented primary residence was destroyed or declared uninhabitable, or if they were mandatorily evacuated/had a recommendation of evacuation from their primary residence, and stayed in paid lodging.
- Reimbursement is per household.
Donate or request time-off hours [3]
- Kaiser Permanente employees may donate their time-off hours to those who may need them, and Los Angeles County employees who are impacted by the fires can request donated time-off hours.
- Any Kaiser Permanente employee can donate time-off hours to a pool.
- Kaiser Permanente employees may donate their time-off hours to those who may need them, and Los Angeles County employees who are impacted by the fires can request donated time-off hours.
Free attorney document review and consultation services [4]
- Services are provided by MetLife Legal Plans and are available through March 31, 2025.
- Document reviews related to federal aid and insurance claims.
- Consultation on identity theft issues due to lost personal documents.
- Answer questions about damaged property for renters or homeowners.
- Advice on dealing with creditors and bill collectors.
- Connect to an attorney by calling the MetLife Client Service Center at 1-800-821-6400.
Additional information and KP Financial Assistance programs [3]
- Obtain additional and updated information about Financial Assistance [3] under Financial Hardship Requests [5] on HRconnect, including:
- Cashing out time off hours
- Hardship withdrawals from retirement savings plan
- As always, employees may contact their local Human Resources representative [6] or the National Human Resources Service Center at 1-877-457-4772 with questions.
Mental health and wellness resources
- 24/7 EAP support [7] – for urgent help or if you are in crisis.
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline [8] (call 988) — for urgent help or if you are in crisis.
- Overdose Prevention 1-800-484-3731 — for urgent help
- Contact an EAP consultant [9] — talk to someone in Kaiser Permanente’s Employee Assistance Program. Licensed clinicians can help you manage stress or personal challenges.
- KP mental health services [10] — no referral is needed to connect with KP’s mental health services.
- Coping with Wildfires [11] — Tips to manage stress and stay emotionally healthy.
- Helping Children Cope [12] — Support for children who may be feeling scared or stressed.
- Mental Health and Wellness for Employees [13] — Many additional wellness resources are available on MyKP.