Michaels CARES
Helping in Times of Need
Michaels CARES is a 501(c)(3) charity that helps Team Members in their greatest time of need.
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How We Help
- Destruction of or Severe Damage to primary residence due to natural disaster or victim of a crime.
- Forced Evacuation from primary residence by local community authority due to severe weather conditions, natural disaster, or other hazardous condition.
- Death of Team Member or eligible family member(s).
- Critical illness or injury of Team Member or eligible family member(s).
- Foreclosure/eviction.
- Unhoused.
- Transportation Issues due to theft or car accident.
How You Can Help
- Set up payroll deductions in Workday.
- Make a one-time donation in store using SKU #10498317.
- Support your fellow Team Members.
Apply for Assistance
Make sure you meet the requirements before you submit your application for assistance. Here’s a quick checklist to follow when you apply:
- Application must be completed in its entirety.
- Sponsor must sign the application (sponsors are a critical part of our process).
- Supporting documents are attached – more is better.
Have questions? Read the Michaels CARES Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), available in English and Spanish.
Ready to apply? Use the link below to open and complete the Michaels CARES application online, or download the paper application in your preferred language.

Michaels CARES
Contact
3939 W. John Carpenter Fwy.
Irving, Texas 75063
Phone: 972-409-5858

Are you full time or part time?
Your benefits are dependent on your full time or part time status. Please select your status, so we can tailor your benefits just for you.
Michaels Benefits
Locate Benefits Information Using the Menu AboveEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)
Aetna Resources for Living EAP
Supporting Your Mental & Emotional Well-Being
At Michaels, we care about your mental health as much as we care about your physical health. The Aetna Resources for Living Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential resource available for you and your family — even if you’re not enrolled in any Michaels benefit plans.
The EAP can help you:
- Manage stress, money worries, and family worries.
- Deal with work and life services, like child care, elder care, and education.
- Locate resources for adoption, relocation, volunteer opportunities, camps, pets, and more.
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Get support for your emotional well-being.
EAP Resources for Spanish Speakers
Disaster Relief Resources
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Care Kits
The EAP offers free Care Kits to help you through life’s important stages, including:
- Pregnancy Care Kit
- New Baby Care Kit
- Child Safety Care Kit
- Active Adult Care Kit
- Elder Care Kit
Counseling Services & Mental Health Resources
- Mental Health Support Team
- Mental Social Well-Being
- Daily Mental Health Habits
- Steps to Improve Mental Health
The EAP includes counseling services for all Michaels Team Members:
- Full-time Team Members are eligible to receive up to three (3) face-to-face or televideo counseling sessions per issue at no charge.
- Part-time Team Members are not eligibile for face-to-face counseling sessions, but are eligible to receive confidential counseling by phone at any time.
You can call 24 hours a day for in-the-moment emotional well-being support. Services are free and confidential, and can help with a wide range of issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Relationship support
- Depression
- Stress management
- Work/life balance
- Family issues
- Grief and loss
- Self-esteem and personal development
- Substance misuse and more
Financial Constitution Resources
Sometimes a little help can go a long way. You can get a free 30-minute consultation for each issue you’d like to ask about, from creating a budget to setting long-term goals.
To get started, either call 1-800-283-5645 (TTY 711) or visit resourcesforliving.com (Username: Michaels / Access Code: 8002835645)
Learn More: Program Overview
Supportiv: A Peer Support Service For All Team Members
Michaels offers all Team Members unlimited access to Supportiv, an online peer support service that can help you cope with stress, work, family issues, loneliness, anxiety, parenting, motivation, and more. Your immediate family members above the age of 13 can also use Supportiv. For more information, follow the link below.
How to Use Supportiv & Your EAP
Helpful Resources
New Member Website Introduction
Learn More & Access Resources
For more information and to access EAP resources, log in to the Resources for Living member portal using the information below, or call 1-800-283-5645 (TTY 711).
Username: Michaels
Access Code: 8002835645
Provider

Aetna
Resources for Living Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
What is an FSA?
A flexible spending account (FSA), administered by Health Equity, allows you to set aside tax-free money to help pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses.
- There are three types of FSAs that you can choose from: Standard FSA, Limited Purpose FSA (LPFSA), and Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA).
- After you enroll in your FSA, you will receive debit card to use when paying for eligible expenses. Your FSA funds, which are determined by how much you choose to contribute, are immediately available once deducted from your paycheck.
- Your FSA paycheck deductions are tax-free, which helps reduce your taxable income.
This page provides information about choosing and managing your FSA, identifying eligible expenses, and how to file claims for reimbursement. More FSA resources can be accessed at HealthEquity.com.
FSA-Eligible Expenses
To help you determine what you can pay for with your FSA, you can search a list of eligible expenses and use the store locator to find merchants that offer FSA-eligible items.
Keep a copy of your receipts! Health Equity has a couple of ways that they verify FSA card transactions: some do not require a receipt for substantiation, while other times a receipt is required.
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When You Don't Need a Receipt
- IIAS store or pharmacy purchases (the IIAS is a required approval system the IRS requires to list all merchants who sell goods that have FSA-eligible items; find more information at seg-is.org)
- Prescription or eligible over-the-counter (OTC) purchases
- Co-payments
- Flat co-payment amounts at a doctor, dentist, vision provider, or hospital where said flat co-pays were provided
- Recurring transactions
- Payment made at the same location and for the same dollar amount as a prior payment for which the receipt was already approved by Health Equity at least once
When a Receipt is Required
- Doctor’s office, hospital, dentist, or vision provider where the health plan has a deductible or coinsurance amount
- Co-insurance and deductibles (assuming carrier files, if applicable, are unable to exactly substantiate the expense)
- Purchases at 90% pharmacies
- An odd dollar amount that does not match one of the flat co-pay amounts provided
Helpful Resources
Provider

Health Equity
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
Contact Information
HSA: 866-346-5800
FSA: 1-877-924-3967
Quick Links
Filing Claims for Reimbursement
Claims for reimbursement for FSA-eligible expenses can be filed online, via fax, or via US mail. Claims will be processed within two (2) business days after receipt. To check the status of your claim, log in to your account.
File Claims Online
For faster service, file your claim online. Simply log in to your account to submit your claim electronically and upload any required documentation.
File Claims via Fax or US Mail
Claims can be submitted via fax or US mail. First, download and fill out the Reimbursement Claim Form. Then, print and send the completed form and any required documentation as follows:
- Fax: 877-353-9236
- US Mail: CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR, P.O. Box 14053, Lexington, KY, 40512
Types of FSAs: Comparing Your Options
Use the information below to help you decide which type of FSA is right for you. Health Equity also offers guides for Comparing FSA Options and Things to Know About the FSA.
Note: If you are enrolled in an HSA medical plan, you cannot have “double coverage” for medical and prescription drug expenses by having both an HSA and a standard FSA. You can, however, use the Limited Purpose FSA (LPFSA) for dental and vision expenses.
FSA
The standard FSA can be used to pay for eligible medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision expenses not covered by your insurance.*
*HSA plan members are not eligible for the standard FSA.
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How it Works
How much can I contribute?
- $100 minimum
- $3,300 maximum
How do I access and use the FSA money?
You will receive a debit card to use for eligible expenses. Funds are immediately available.
Who can use the FSA money?
If you are enrolled in the Basic PPO Plan or Enhanced PPO Plan, or even if you don’t elect Michaels medical coverage, you can use the money to pay for eligible medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision expenses that your health care plans don’t cover.
This applies to:
- Yourself
- Any dependents you claim on your federal tax return
- Your children under age 26, even if they are not covered by a Michaels benefit plan
Under IRS rules, expenses for domestic partners cannot be paid from an FSA.
Dates & Deadlines
- You can incur expenses until Dec. 31 of the plan year.
- You have until March 31 after the plan year ends to submit your reimbursement claims for expenses.
Limited Purpose FSA
The Limited Purpose FSA (LPFSA) can be used to pay for dental and vision expenses, but cannot be used to pay for other health care expenses.
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How it Works
How much can I contribute?
- $100 minimum
- $3,300 maximum
How do I access and use the LPFSA money?
You will receive a debit card to use for eligible expenses. Funds are immediately available.
Who can use the LPFSA money?
If you are enrolled in the Michaels Choice HSA medical plan, you may use the Limited Purpose FSA to pay for dental and vision expenses only, and use your HSA to pay for eligible medical and prescription drug expenses.
You can use the money to pay for eligible dental and vision care expenses that your dental and vision plans don’t cover.
This applies to:
- Yourself
- Any dependents you claim on your federal tax return
- Your children under age 26, even if they are not covered by a Michaels benefit plan
Under IRS rules, expenses for domestic partners cannot be paid from an LPFSA.
Dates & Deadlines
- You can incur expenses until Dec. 31 of the plan year.
- You have until March 31 after the plan year ends to submit your reimbursement claims for expenses.
Dependent Care FSA
The Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) can be used to pay for expenses for your dependents, such as day care, before and after school care, and summer day camp.
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How it Works
How much can I contribute?
- $100 minimum
- $5,000 maximum (or $2,500 maximum if married but filing separately from your spouse)
How do I access and use the DCFSA money?
You submit claims for reimbursements. Funds are available after contributions to the account have been made.
How can I use the DCFSA money?
You can use the DCFSA to get reimbursed for dependent care expenses incurred, allowing you and your spouse to work.
This includes:
- Nursery schools
- Licensed day care centers (including adult day care facilities and centers for disabled dependents)
- In-home day care providers
- Before- and after-school care (if not already included in tuition)
- Summer day camp, but not overnight camp
Who can use the money?
You can use the money to pay for eligible dependent care expenses for:
- Children under age 13 you claim on your federal tax return as dependents (or for whom you are the custodial parent if divorced, regardless of who claims the tax exemption).
- A spouse or dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lives in your home for more than half the year.
Under IRS rules, expenses for domestic partners cannot be paid from a DCFSA.
Dates & Deadlines
- You lose any remaining funds in your account as of Dec. 31 of the plan year.
- You have until March 31 after the plan year ends to submit your reimbursement claims for expenses.
Leave of Absence (LOA)
Types of Leave & How to Request LeaveRequesting Leave
Michaels offers Leave of Absence (LOA) as well as Paid Time Off (PTO). To learn about the types of leave and PTO available to you and when/how to apply, refer to the resources on this page. If you need further guidance, contact Team Member Services.
PTO vs. Leave
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Time Off (PTO) includes vacation time, personal time, and sick time. For more detailed information and to read the Michaels PTO policies, visit this link: Paid Time Off (PTO).
Leave of Absence (LOA)
- You must request a Leave of Absence (LOA) if you are going to be absent from work for more than five (5) consecutive working days due to a personal, medical, or other reason. Read the Michaels Leave of Absence (LOA) Guide for more detailed information.
- You cannot apply for a leave more than 30 days in advance.
- To apply for LOA, call Reliance Matrix at 1-888-288-1354. You will be asked to provide your personal or job-related illness or injury, along with your medical provider information.
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Paid Parental Leave (PPL)
All full-time exempt Team Members are eligible for Paid Parental Leave (PPL) to support families after the birth, adoption, surrogacy, or legal placement of a child.
The PPL policy, linked below, covers birthing mothers and all eligible non-birthing parents, including dads and domestic partners.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (STD & LTD)
To receive Short-Term Disability (STD) benefits, you must be unable to perform the essential duties of your job due to accidental injury, sickness, mental illness, or pregnancy. Long-Term Disability (LTD) provides income protection if you become disabled and cannot work due to an illness or injury that lasts for more than 90 days.
Important: Leave and Disability claims are approved separately by Matrix. If your LOA claim is approved, this does not automatically mean that your STD/LTD claim has been approved.
Video Overview of Leave, Disability & Voluntary Benefits
Get Support
For assistance, contact Team Member Services at 855-432-MIKE (6453) and select option 2, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. You can also open a Knowledge Zone support ticket.
File Your Claim(s) Online with Reliance Matrix
Guidance for Filing Claims with Reliance Matrix
How-To Guides
- Easy Access Claims Filing - Process flow overview for filing claims with Reliance Matrix.
- Filing Claims with Reliance Matrix - Applies to Leave of Absence (LOA), Disability, and Voluntary benefits.
- How to File Claims for Short-Term Disability (STD) & Family Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA)
- How to File Claims for Voluntary Accident, Hospital Indemnity & Critical Illness
- Download the Matrix eServices App
Important Note About Claims for Kaiser Members
Team Members who are enrolled in a Kaiser medical plan must complete an authorization release form in order to file a claim with Reliance Matrix.
- Reliance Matrix will provide you with the authorization release form to sign and return.
- This form is required in order for Reliance Matrix to obtain the required medical certification from your physician.
- Failure to provide the signed authorization release form to Reliance Matrix will result in your claim being denied.
Resources

Reliance Matrix
Disability, Life & AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Contact Information
Phone: 1-800-351-7500
Quick Links
Michaels Benefits
Locate Benefits Information Using the Menu AboveMichaels Benefits
Locate Benefits Information Using the Menu Above
Quick Links

Catapult Health VirtualCheckup®
Michaels provides a convenient annual checkup at no cost to you using the Catapult Health VirtualCheckup® Home Kit. All Team Members and spouses covered by a BCBSTX medical plan can register for a kit.

Are You a New Hire?
Welcome! We’re excited you’re joining the Michaels team. To start you off on the right foot, we want to make the process of setting up your employee benefits as easy as possible. Follow the link below to access the New Hire Hub and review your next steps.

Quick Links to Benefits

Are You a New Hire?
Welcome! We’re excited you’re joining the Michaels team. To start you off on the right foot, we want to make the process of setting up your employee benefits as easy as possible. Follow the link below to access the New Hire Hub and review your next steps.

Are Your Hours Changing?
If you are switching from full-time to part-time status, or vice versa, follow the link below to learn about how this Change in Status will impact your benefits.

Get the latest from Michaels
As a Michaels employee, you can sign up to receive updates about your benefits via text message. Get connected today!