Getting financial assistance for cancer patients is very important because the cost of cancer treatment in the United States is very high. We would do anything for our beloved ones’ battle against this disease, even though it means financial disaster for our family.
This financial problem is more common than you think. The patient’s families often have problems paying living expenses along with many indirect expenses related to the treatment. These indirect expenses include extra child care costs, communication cost, travel cost, meals during treatment, etc. These costs grow larger if the treatment is extended, etc. Therefore, finding financial assistance would be a big help.
List of Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients
You can try these sources to help you relieve your burden:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The TANF program is good income assistance during the patient’s treatment. However, you have to come from low-income families. The program will help your children care during the treatment. This is a temporary assistance, so it has to end at some point. Visit the TANF official site for more information about their program and eligibility.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This program will give financial aid for people with disabilities and elderly with financial limits, which is a very possible case during the cancer treatment. There is no online application available for the SSI program. You should make an appointment and then pay a visit to your Social Security office from Monday to Friday at 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- 211 service
Check 211 official site or call the number to learn whether they provide service in your local area. This service is provided by joint effort of United Way of America and the Alliance of Information and Referral System. They provide important information to help those in needs. This information may include your local financial aid programs. Note that currently the 211 doesn’t cover all state of America, but you should give them a try.
- American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is also a great source of information for any kind of possible financial assistance for both patients and the family to get through the treatment. Call the contact number or visit the official site of American Cancer Society to see whether they have information about charities or other financial assistance program for cancer patients in your local area.
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A)
If your elderly is the one who is fighting against cancer, you can contact the N4A trough their official website to learn whether you are eligible for help. Note that not all areas are covered, but there’s still a chance so cross your fingers and give it a go.
- Community Groups
There are many community groups that provide financial assistance for those who are in need. The most common groups are churches and fraternal groups in your local area. Go and ask around whether there are other social groups that can give you some aid. Sometimes, these groups can be found on your Yellow Pages.
Getting financial assistance for cancer patients and their families is possible. Muster some willpower and we’re sure that you can get the aid!
References:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits – https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf
- 2-1-1 Information & Referral Search – http://211.org/
- Images: medpotnow.com
