About
What is the AIEC Hurt Lineworker Fund?
Established in 2017, the AIEC Illinois Hurt Lineworker Fund provides AIEC member cooperative lineworkers emergency financial assistance as they deal with catastrophic medical injuries and loss of life. The fund is designed to provide, through a generous gift to the family, a direct infusion of funds to assist lineworkers and their families when a catastrophe creates a special need.
Where does the money for the fund come from?
The primary source of income for this emergency fund is through fundraising from the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives. Annual fundraising efforts include the AIEC Crappie Tournament and AIEC Gun Raffle.
Who is eligible for assistance?
Association of Illinois Electric Cooperative member cooperative lineworkers, groundmen, apprentices, and equipment operators are eligible for assistance when an injury on the job has occurred. The employee must be a full-time employee with the member cooperative. The injury should result in one of the following: hospitalization, catastrophic illness, loss of limbs, loss of life, burn center injuries or debilitating injury. No sub-contractor will qualify for assistance.
How money may be requested and how often?
Once the fund reaches a baseline of $15,000 and upon a request by a member cooperative, the fund will issue up to $5,000 to an employee who has suffered from a catastrophic injury and $10,000 to an employee’s family when the injury results in death. Until the fund reaches a baseline of $15,000, the fund shall pay up to 10% of the fund’s balance to an employee who has suffered from a catastrophic injury and up to 33% of the fund’s balance when the injury results in death.
The funds should be requested by the member cooperative for whom the employee is working through the fund application. Due to the immediate need of the emergency assistance fund, a call to the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives that an injury has occurred and funds are needed will help expedite the process. Proper documentation/application will be required before funds are issued. Monies will be distributed equitably among all qualified applicants.
How may assistance fund monies be used?
For any special need that may arise to assist the family or injured worker, child-care arrangements, transportation cost, utility bills, personal or home support that may contribute to relieving stress or improving quality of life.
Who administers the fund?
A committee of volunteers from member cooperative departments of operations have established the basic parameters of the Hurt Lineworker Fund and provide financial oversight. The program is administered by the Safety and Training Team and the General Counsel of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives. The Chief Financial Officer of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives manages the fiscal component of the program.