The Executive Secretary may make an emergency award of compensation to the applicant pending a final decision in the case if it appears to the Commission that, prior to taking action on an application, the claim is one for which compensation is probable, and undue hardship will result to the applicant if immediate payment is not made. However, (1) the amount of the emergency compensation may not exceed $500.00; (2) the amount of the emergency compensation shall be deducted from the final compensation made to the applicant; and (3) the amount of such emergency award which is in excess of the final award, or the final amount of the emergency award if no final award is made, shall be repaid by the applicant to the Commission.