About
What is the Hardship Fund?
When financial hardship hits, it can feel overwhelming — not just personally, but professionally too. At AAPC, we know that your credentials and community are more than just letters after your name — they are your livelihood, your passion, and your future.
That’s why the Hardship Fund exists: to make sure no member has to face life’s toughest challenges alone. The fund helps members cover essential AAPC costs — such as membership renewals, certification maintenance, study guides, and CEUs — when finances become a barrier.
Through these funds, we’ve already helped over 6,000 members continue their careers and rebuild their lives, and we remain committed to being a safety net when our community needs it most.
Who can apply?
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for assistance, applicants must:
Be a current AAPC member in good standing
Have maintained membership for at least 12 months
Demonstrate a genuine financial hardship
Have explored and exhausted other available support options
How to donate
Let's keep the cycle going. Together, AAPC contributions, individual, and local chapter donations are what keep the fund alive. Your gift could be the reason a fellow member keeps their certification, secures their next job, or finds hope in the midst of crisis. Every dollar goes directly to helping colleagues in need. Donating is easy! Just click below to contribute in increments of $10, $25, or $100 below:
Why it matters
When life takes an unexpected turn, support can make all the difference.
Imagine a member facing job loss, struggling to afford membership renewal. The Hardship Fund could cover that renewal, so they retain their certification and remain competitive.
Unlike loans, these are gifts from the community to the community. Members don’t repay the assistance — they simply carry it forward by remaining part of the AAPC family and, if able, giving back when their own circumstances improve.
What's typically covered:
Membership renewal dues (not initial membership)
Exam prep tools, study guides, and coding books (current or older editions)
Required specialty CEUs
