Cancer Care can create significant financial strain for individuals and families. At Cancer Care, we understand these challenges and are committed to providing financial assistance to help ease the burden. As a non-profit organization, our ability to offer support is directly linked to the funding we secure, making our programs available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to reach out to our Hopeline at 800-813-4673 to discover the programs currently accepting applications and how we can assist you with your cancer care journey. If funding isn’t immediately available for your specific needs, our dedicated team will connect you with other valuable financial resources.
Explore Our Cancer Care Financial Assistance Programs
Cancer Care offers a range of financial assistance programs designed to address various needs related to cancer care:
Transportation, Home Care, and Child Care Support
We provide assistance with transportation, home care, and child care expenses for men diagnosed with any type of cancer residing in New Jersey and Connecticut.
Expanded Services in the Tri-State Area
Learn more about our expanded services in the Tri-State area to see if you qualify for additional support in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Transportation and Lodging for Mesothelioma Patients
For individuals battling mesothelioma, we offer financial aid covering transportation (both air and car travel) and lodging costs associated with their cancer care.
General Transportation Assistance
We also provide transportation assistance, which can include gas vouchers, car service arrangements, or public transportation tickets, to help patients access their cancer treatments and appointments.
Disaster Relief Fund for Cancer Patients
Our Disaster Relief Fund is dedicated to supporting individuals with cancer who have been affected by natural disasters within the U.S. If you’ve been impacted by a disaster, please call our Hopeline at 800-813-4673 to speak with one of our oncology social workers and explore eligibility for this fund. Please note that Disaster Relief Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants must complete a financial application and adhere to program guidelines.
Pet Assistance and Wellness (PAW) Program
Recognizing the vital role pets play in the lives of cancer patients, our Pet Assistance and Wellness (PAW) Program offers support for pet care expenses during cancer treatment.
Eligibility Criteria for Cancer Care Financial Assistance
To be considered eligible for our financial assistance programs, you must meet the following criteria:
- Cancer Diagnosis: You must have a confirmed cancer diagnosis from a qualified oncology health care provider.
- Active Treatment: You must be currently undergoing active treatment for your cancer.
- Residency: You must reside within the United States or Puerto Rico.
- Financial Need: You must meet our eligibility guidelines, which are based on the Federal Poverty Limit to ensure we are assisting those with the greatest financial need.
How to Apply for Cancer Care Financial Assistance
Applying for financial assistance from Cancer Care is a straightforward process:
- Contact a Cancer Care Social Worker: Call our Hopeline at 800-813-HOPE (4673) to connect with a Cancer Care social worker. Our Hopeline is available from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (ET) Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (ET) on Friday. During this call, you will complete a brief interview to assess your needs and eligibility.
- Application and Documentation: If you are deemed eligible to apply, we will mail or email you a personalized application form with a unique barcode. We will also request documentation to verify your income. Acceptable forms of income verification include:
- The first two pages of your signed income tax return (you can black out your Social Security number for privacy).
- If you are not required to file a tax return, you can submit a copy of your most recent pay stub, unemployment check, or SSI, SSD, or public assistance benefit notification.
- If you have no current income, a letter of support from a friend or family member can be provided.
- Submit Your Completed Application: Once you receive the application, please ensure you:
- Print clearly: Illegible applications cannot be processed, so please write or type clearly.
- Complete all sections: Fill in every blank space on the application. If a section does not apply to you, use “no,” “none,” or “0” as appropriate – please do not leave any responses blank.
- Medical Information Section: Have your oncology health care provider complete all sections of the Medical Information Section, including their signature and date. This section must be completed by a medical professional.
- Use the Correct Cancer Care Address: Ensure you use the correct Cancer Care email or fax number as listed on the application form when submitting.
Learn more about all of our assistance programs and how Cancer Care is dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing the financial challenges of cancer care.
Additional Resources for Managing Cancer Care Costs
Cancer Care provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate the financial aspects of cancer care:
Cancer Care’s Managing the Cost of Cancer Booklet:
CancerCare’s booklet Managing the Cost of Cancer is an invaluable resource offering practical tips for discussing cancer care costs with your health care team. This booklet also includes a comprehensive list of resources to aid in financial planning throughout your cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
Purpose in Planning Coping Circle Series – Part I: Navigating Finances & Planning Ahead:
Purpose in Planning Coping Circle Series – Part I: Navigating Finances & Planning Ahead This workshop focuses on income replacement strategies for individuals who need to take time off work or are unable to work due to cancer. It provides practical advice for managing out-of-pocket medical expenses, general financial wellness tips, and information on various sources of financial assistance. View all Purpose in Planning Workshops >> to explore other helpful topics.
A Helping Hand Searchable Resource Database:
A Helping Hand Searchable Resource Database is a powerful online tool that provides up-to-date contact information and descriptions for hundreds of national and regional organizations offering financial and practical support to people affected by cancer. This database can be searched to find resources specific to your needs and location.
Cancer Care is here to support you through the financial complexities of cancer care. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Hopeline or explore our resources to find the assistance you need.
