A financial emergency exists when a person has insufficient income or resources to meet an immediate threat
to health or safety, such as the lack of food, clothing, shelter or medical care.
An emergency can exist when a person has liquid resources, but cannot access them
quickly enough to meet an immediate threat to health or safety. Absent evidence to
the contrary, accept a person's allegation that he/she does not have enough money
to meet an immediate threat to his/her health or safety. When a couple lives together,
the members share responsibility for meeting a financial need.
A person has the right to choose a specific health professional, shelter, clothing,
food, etc., to meet a need. Do not make this choice for a person to avoid making an
EAP. For example, do not refer a person to cheaper health service of another type,
or another source, to avoid making an EAP.