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 amount of the emergency award shall not exceed $500.00. The amount of the emergency award shall 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, shall be repaid by the claimant to the commission.