(1) If it appears that the claim is one with respect to which an award probably will be made and undue hardship will result to the claimant if immediate payment is not made, the commission may make an emergency award to the claimant pending a final decision in the case. The commission shall provide a procedure for a claimant to request an emergency award under this section.

    (2) The amount of an emergency award under this section must not exceed $4,000.00 and must be deducted from the final award made to the claimant. The excess of the amount of the emergency award over the amount of the final award, if any, must be repaid by the claimant to the commission.

    (3) Promptly after receiving an application or request for an emergency award under subsection (1), the commission shall determine whether to grant an emergency award under this section. If the commission determines to grant an emergency award, the award must be promptly issued to the claimant.