Clara Abbott Financial Assistance Grants

Geographic Scope: United States, Puerto Rico, and internationally where Abbott operates

Focus Areas: Need-based financial grants for eligible Abbott employees and retirees facing financial hardship

Program Overview

Provides need-based grants to help eligible Abbott families struggling to afford basic needs. Program offers short-term financial assistance to overcome financial hardship. Not everyone who applies will qualify, but all applicants receive actionable recommendations to address financial concerns.

Eligibility

Current Employees:

• Minimum 1 year continuous Abbott service (or 1 year from date of Abbott acquisition)
• Employees on FMLA or equivalent remain eligible
• Employees on unpaid leave of absence NOT eligible
• Employees on disability must receive disability pay
• Contractors and temporary workers NOT eligible

Former Employees/Retirees:
Must have met one of these criteria at time of separation (lifetime eligibility):

• Ages 50-60 with 10+ years continuous service
• Age 61 with 9+ years service
• Age 62 with 8+ years service
• Age 63 with 7+ years service
• Age 64 with 6+ years service
• Age 65+ with 5+ years service

Survivors of Deceased Employees:

• Spouse of deceased eligible employee or eligible former employee
• Dependent child through age 24 (if student), age 19 otherwise
• Children with special needs have no age limit

Financial Hardship Definition

Any situation threatening ability to afford basic living needs such as food, clothing, or shelter:

• Eligible expenses exceed household income
• Excessive/increasing debt with only minimum payments possible
• Behind on monthly payments (rent, mortgage, utilities, etc.)
• Limited/no access to other resources
• Borrowing from family/friends to make ends meet

Eligible Expenses

Fundation may help with:

• Medical and dental expenses
• Mortgage and rent
• Essential home repairs
• Essential utilities (water, electricity)
• Transportation expenses (including vehicle repairs)
• Special needs-related expenses
• Property taxes
• Other short-term expenses

Ineligible Expenses

Foundation does NOT help with:

• Expenses for extended family members (parents, siblings)
• Reimbursement unless hardship determined
• Vacations
• Non-essential repairs or improvements
• Non-essential utilities
• Optional/elective medical or dental treatments
• Long-term financial solutions
• New home construction

Assessment Process

• Full financial assessment including consultation
• Review of supporting documentation
• Honest, transparent exchange of information required
• Specific documentation requested based on situation
• All information must be certified as truthful

Contact Information

• Phone: +1-847-937-1090 or 1-800-972-3859
• Email: AskClara@abbott.com

Important Notes

• Independent not-for-profit organization
• Eligibility independent from Abbott employee benefits
• Standards subject to change at Foundation's sole discretion
• Foundation may deny any request at sole discretion
• Misrepresentation, fraud, deceit, or concealment has consequences per Abbott Business Code of Conduct
• Information considered confidential

Application Process

Application Portal:

Online applications at https://clara.abbott.com/financial-assistance/applications/

Click "Apply for Financial Assistance" button

Submission Timeline:

Applications accepted year-round (rolling basis)

Account Setup:
1. Access secure portal
2. Create account and password or log in if existing account
3. If password forgotten, click "forgot password" link for reset instructions

Application Tips:

Provide email address and phone number accessed frequently (consultants use to communicate)

Recommended to use Abbott email address if available

Verify identity through Abbott email for security purposes

Required Documentation:

Financial consultant requests specific documentation based on individual situation

Examples may include:

- Income statements
- Bank statements
- Proof of expenses
- Utility bills
- Medical bills
- Mortgage/rent statements
- Other supporting documentation substantiating financial hardship

Application Requirements:
1. Complete full financial assessment questionnaire
2. Participate in financial consultation
3. Submit all requested documentation
4. Certify all information is truthful (per Abbott Business Code of Conduct)
5. Participate in any verification process

What to Expect:

Consultants will communicate via email and phone

Full review of financial situation

Recommendations provided regardless of approval

Assessment determines if short-term financial grant recommended