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Obtaining financial assistance during cancer treatment

The high costs of cancer care often result in overwhelming financial stress for people with cancer and their families, significantly affecting their well-being. It is well known that cancer patients and survivors find it somewhat or very difficult to afford their care.


This kind of financial hardship can reduce the chances that patients will stick to their treatment plans, and it can lower their quality of life and survival rates. Financial assistance programs for cancer aim to reduce these burdens by supporting expenses such as medical bills, prescription medications, basic living expenses, and other expenses.

What are cancer financial assistance programs?

Cancer financial assistance programs are designed to help people cope with the costs associated with cancer treatment and care. These programs vary greatly in their eligibility criteria, their services, and the extent of financial support they provide.

Financial assistance programs typically cover a range of expenses related to cancer treatment, such as medication costs, medical bills, transportation to and from medical appointments, and sometimes even non-medical expenses like rent, utilities, and other basic needs.

To access these programs, people usually need to meet specific eligibility criteria, involving factors such as income level, insurance status, and cancer type. Financial assistance programs vary widely by state, county, and sometimes by city.

Nonprofit Disease-Specific Organizations

Nonprofit disease specific organizations often provide financial assistance programs for people being treated for cancer. The programs below can help relieve the financial burden of cancer treatment by offering support for medical expenses, transportation, lodging, and related costs. ie Cancer Care, the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), and the HealthWell Foundation . There’s also your local United Way organization (dial 211 from a landline or Google ‘local United Way’).

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

This is a federal program that offers financial assistance to people who cannot work because of a medical condition such as cancer. To qualify, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period, usually within the last 10 years, before becoming disabled. The program provides monthly payments based on your earnings history and tax contributions.


These payments help cover living expenses such as food, housing, and medical care. After receiving benefits for 2 years, you become eligible for Medicare, which can help with medical expenses related to cancer treatment. SSDI offers critical financial support for people with cancer who are unable to work. It can ease the burden of medical bills and living expenses and allow you to focus on health and recovery.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI offers monthly cash benefits to people ages 65 years or older, blind people, and disabled people, including those with cancer who have limited income and resources. Qualification is based on income and asset levels, with benefits varying by state and possibly including additional supplements. SSI recipients often qualify for Medicaid, which may be automatic in some states. You can apply online or by contacting your local Social Security office.


Approval typically takes 3 to 5 months, but the process may be expedited for certain serious illnesses, such as some cancers. If your application is denied, you can appeal. SSI is distinct from SSDI, which requires you to have a work history and meet Social Security’s disability criteria.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a government program that helps individuals and families with low-income access necessary medical services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Medicaid eligibility and application processes can vary by state, but generally, you may qualify for Medicaid if you:

  • meet specific requirements for income and family size (which vary by state) 
  • have a disability
  • are pregnant and meet certain income criteria
  • receive SSI
  • are in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program

To apply for Medicaid, you can:

  • apply directly through your state’s Medicaid program (this is the recommended method)
  • fill out an application through the Marketplace (this may involve longer processing times)

If you have cancer, Medicaid can help cover the costs of your cancer treatment, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. It can also cover costs related to preventive care, such as cancer screenings.

Community and Church Groups

Community and church groups may assist people with cancer financially by covering medical expenses, transportation, and other needs. They can also offer emotional support, practical help, and access to support networks, and they often organize fundraising events. This assistance varies greatly by location.

Who is eligible for financial assistance?

Eligibility for cancer financial assistance programs can vary widely depending on the specific program and its criteria.

However, many programs consider the following factors:

Income

Some programs have income limits or guidelines based on the federal poverty level.

Insurance Status

Programs may require applicants to have limited or no insurance coverage.

Cancer Diagnosis

Most programs require applicants to have a documented cancer diagnosis.

Treatment Plan

Some programs may require applicants to be actively undergoing treatment or have a treatment plan in place.

Residency

Some programs are restricted to residents of specific states or regions.

Type of Cancer

Some programs may focus on specific types of cancer or cancer-related expenses.

  • KnowCancer

Key Groups Impacted by Cancer-Related Financial Challenges

Programs may also consider other factors, such as household size, assets, and specific financial needs related to the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Research suggests that certain populations have a greater risk of experiencing financial distress due to cancer, including:

  • Women
  • Younger people
  • People in racial or ethnic minority groups
  • People with low incomes
  • People without insurance

Applying for Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment?

Here are some ways you may be able to find financial assistance programs that could be helpful for you.

Consult financial counselors

You may be eligible for LIHEAP. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy by providing federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. It assists eligible low-income households with heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis support, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs.


LIHEAP can partially cover expenses related to natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, coal, wood, or other fuel sources. If you need help applying for energy assistance, visit Energyhelp.us for information in English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.


Start with healthcare professionals

Begin by speaking with your healthcare team or hospital social workers. They can often provide information on available financial assistance programs and help you understand the application process.

Research Online

Use the internet to research financial assistance programs for people with cancer. Websites such as CancerCare.org, PatientAdvocate.org,  and NeedyMeds.org can be valuable resources for finding programs that may be able to help you.

Check with your insurance provider

Contact your insurance provider to ask whether they offer any financial assistance programs or whether they can recommend other resources.

Contact Local Support Organizations

Reach out to local cancer support organizations, nonprofit groups, and community health centers. They may have information on local financial assistance programs and resources.

Attend support groups

Consider joining a cancer support group. Members often share information about financial assistance programs and resources they’ve used.

For more information and resources about cancer support groups, please visit our Survivors page.

It's no secret - the cost of cancer treatment can be overwhelming.

Financial assistance helps ensure that everyone can access necessary care regardless of financial status. Without assistance, many people may delay or forgo treatment, and that can lead to worse health outcomes. 


If you’ve received a cancer diagnosis, talk with a healthcare professional or the hospital’s social services person and/or patient advocate about how to access financial assistance. Financial assistance programs can help relieve the heavy burden of treatment costs and allow you to concentrate on your health.

Resource Lists (This list is best viewed from a PC)
The Financial Assistant Programs we know about:
Basic Living Expenses
Child Care Expenses
Equipment/Supplies Expenses
Government Assistance
Housing During Treatment Expenses
Insurance Premium Expenses
Legal Issues
Medical Care Expenses
Post-Treatment Financial Needs
Prescription Expenses
Reimbursement & Patient Assistance Programs  
Transportation & Travel Resources
Wish Fulfillment
The Financial Assistant Programs we know about:

Below are the names and Web addresses of organizations that offer financial assistance to people affected by cancer, or that have links to organizations that may provide such help. Organizations are listed by the type of help they provide. Some organizations are listed under more than one heading because they offer multiple services. Your oncology social worker, hospital patient services representative, local cancer organization and local United Way can also guide you to additional sources of financial assistance.



Basic Living Expenses
  • Allyson Whitney Foundation www.allysonwhitney.org  The Allyson Whitney Foundation primarily provides young adult cancer patients with ‘Life Interrupted Grants™’ to ease their financial burden to concentrate their energy on healing. We want to empower an underserved demographic of Adolescents and Young Adults (our AYA age range 16-36) and shine a spotlight on the term ‘rare’ cancers. 
  • American Childhood Cancer Organization www.acco.org, 855-858-2226   Provides crucial support families need—financially, socially, and emotionally—through diagnosis, treatment, and well beyond.
  • American Children's Cancer Foundation www.accf4cure.org, 855-222-3428   American Children’s Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in full accordance with all laws and regulations of the US Government and the IRS. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible in accordance with Federal regulations.
  • The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation www.bepositive.org, 302-563-8389  The B+ Foundation is about Kids Helping Kids Fight Cancer – raising money through events on college campuses, local events like 5Ks and Golf Outing, corporate partnerships, merchandise sales, and more.
  • Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation www.bonemarrow.org, 800-365-1336  The additional expenses associated with transplants, that are not covered by health insurance, can be prohibitive. The BMCF's financial assistance programs help ease the burdens for patients and their families.
  • Bringing Hope Home www.bringinghopehome.org, 484-580-8395  Bringing Hope Home® is a non-profit organization that provides Unexpected Amazingness® to local Families with cancer through financial and emotional support. Through our Light of Hope Family Program, we offer one-time financial assistance to pay essential household bills for Families with cancer. Geographic Areas served: PA, NJ, DE, (check out the exact counties here). (With partial services in MD, NY and CT!) 
  • Christina S. Walsh Breast Cancer Foundation www.christinaswalshbcf.org, 732-853-7910  The organization providing financial assistance to breast cancer patients and their families, throughout the United States
  • Cleaning for a Reason www.cleaningforareason.org, 877-337-3348 Provides free home cleaning to patients battling cancer.
  • Family Reach www.familyreach.org, 857-233-2764  When funds are available, they offer grants to help you pay for housing, transportation, utilities, and food.
  • Glenn Garcelon   Foundation   www.glenngarcelonfoundation.org, 503-969-7651  The Glenn Garcelon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which exists to improve the quality of life of brain tumor survivors, caregivers and their families by providing emotional and financial support.
  • The National Children’s Cancer Society www.thenccs.org, 314-241-1600  The National Children’s Cancer Society provides emotional, financial, and educational support to children with cancer, their families, and survivors.
  • Stupid Cancer www.stupidcancer.org, 212-619-1040  Stupid Cancer offers a lifeline to the adolescent and young adult cancer community by providing age-appropriate resources to help navigate treatment and survivorship on your own terms.
Child Care Expenses


Equipment/Supplies Expenses
  • American Kidney Fund (dialysis patients) www.kidneyfund.org, 800-638-8299  From prevention and research through treatment and transplant, we are dedicated to making sure kidney patients have someone fighting by their side.
  • Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation www.bonemarrow.org, 800-365-1336   The additional expenses associated with transplants, that are not covered by health insurance, can be prohibitive. The BMCF's financial assistance programs help ease the burdens for patients and their families.
  • Cancer Care www.cancercare.org, 800-813-4673   Professional oncology social workers provide free emotional and practical support for people with cancer, caregivers, loved ones and the bereaved.
  • Friends of Man www.friendsofman.org, 303-798-2342  Mainly for Colorado residents. However, there are some resources for other states. Their mission is to provide assistance to people of all ages who have genuine needs but can’t find help elsewhere, who ‘fall through the cracks’ of available charitable or governmental resources. To provide help to maintain self-sufficiency in times of difficulty, as well as assisting with disability and medical needs.
  • Look Good Feel Better www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org, 800-395-5665  The program offers complimentary group and virual sessions that teach beauty techniques to help people with cancer to face their diagnosis with greater confidence.
  • Lymphoma Research Foundation www.lymphoma.org, 800-500-9976  Through lymphoma-specific research grants and consortia, LRF seeks to better understand the more than 100 subtypes of lymphoma and support the development of new treatments. LRF’s focus on supporting early-career scientists ensures the best and brightest remain in the field of lymphoma research so that innovation and progress continue. Simultaneously, LRF works tirelessly to help patients, survivors caregivers, and families understand their diagnosis and ensure they have access to the support and resources they need.
  • Stupid Cancer www.stupidcancer.org, 212-619-1040  Stupid Cancer offers a lifeline to the adolescent and young adult cancer community by providing age-appropriate resources to help navigate treatment and survivorship on your own terms.
  • United Ostomy Association of America, Inc.   www.ostomy.org Nonprofit organization that supports, empowers, and advocates for people who have had or who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery.
     
Government Assistance
Housing During Treatment Expenses
  • American Childhood Cancer Organization www.acco.org, 855-858-2226   They are dedicated to improving the lives of children living with childhood cancer or its long-term impacts, and to offering critical advice, support, and assistance to families engaged in this life-altering struggle.
  • Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation www.bonemarrow.org, 800-365-1336
  • Fisher House Foundation www.fisherhouse.org, 888-294-8560  Fisher Houses provide military families housing close to a loved one in the hospital for an illness, disease or injury. 
  • Healthcare Hospitality Network, Inc. www.hhnetwork.org, 800-542-9730  House members provide lodging and support services to patients and their caregivers while they are receiving medical treatment away from their home communities. Their Supporting Partners are members that support the Healthcare Hospitality Houses in their services to their guests.
  • Hospitality Homes www.hosp.org, 888-595-4678  At the heart of Hospitality Homes, our staff performs significant feats every day to make it possible for guests to find a place to call home while they receive essential medical treatment in Boston.
  • Joe’s House www.joeshouse.org, 877-563-7498  Joe’s House is not an actual house, but a nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients and their families find a place to stay when traveling away from home for medical treatment. 
  • Lymphoma Research Foundation www.lymphoma.org, 800-500-9976
  • The National Children’s Cancer Society www.thenccs.org, 314-241-1600
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities www.rmhc.org, 630-623-7048
  • Stupid Cancer www.stupidcancer.org, 212-619-1040
Insurance Premium Expenses
Legal Issues
Medical Care Expenses
Post-Treatment Financial Needs
Prescription Expenses
Reimbursement & Patient Assistance Programs  

These programs (and list) may require you to know the manufacturer of the drug and may require you to work with your doctor’s office to validate the need for the prescription. Many of the drug companies require the patient’s financial information before assistance can be provided.


Transportation & Travel Resources



Wish Fulfillment