The economic burden of childhood cancer can be overwhelming for parents. In addition to medical costs, parents of a child diagnosed with cancer face an increase in non-medical expenses such as food, transportation, lodging and family care. These increases are often coupled with a decrease in the family’s income. In a recent survey conducted by the N.C.C.S., nearly 86% of families reported a loss of income due to their child’s diagnosis. Parents are further challenged with maintaining their household, taking care of their other children, making medical decisions and ensuring the families financial stability, while trying to stay beside their child through this difficult and scary time. Parents may find it helpful to talk with a member of their child’s treatment team, such as the hospital social worker, to learn about resources for financial assistance. Our helpful links page also offers a comprehensive list of resources. Please know that many resources, like the N.C.C.S., were created to help families during difficult times.

The N.C.C.S. provides direct financial assistance to children diagnosed with cancer and their families. This program is supported entirely by public contributions, and is made available for the families with the greatest need. The types of services provided by the program include:

   Meals during treatment
   Transportation to and from treatment
   Long distance telephone cards
   Lodging during treatment
   Health insurance premiums
   Medical expenses not covered by insurance
Eligibility Guidelines
     Child diagnosed with a pediatric cancer
     Child diagnosed with a high grade or anaplastic brain tumor
     Child diagnosed on or before his or her 18th birthday
     Child is a U.S. citizen or has maintained uninterrupted residency in the U.S.
        (green card status) for at least 12 months, without prior history of the
        current illness
     A family with liquid assets in excess of $5000 may be asked to partially or
        completely “spend down” these assets in order to receive financial
        assistance

If you believe you are in financial need at this time, you may contact us toll free at 1-800-532-6459 or click on the link for an application. After you complete the application, please send it by mail or fax to:

     The National Children’s Cancer Society
     Patient & Family Services
     One South Memorial Drive, Suite 800
     Saint Louis, MO 63102
     Fax: 314-241-6949

Once the application is received one of our case managers will contact you and will work closely with you to ensure you get the help you need.
Application for Financial Assistance (English)

Normas para Ayuda Financiera (Spanish)
Tips to manage your financial situation
Understand what assistance your family qualifies for under the law (these programs are called entitlements). A hospital social worker can direct you to the proper governmental agency. Please note that entitlement programs take time to process your enrollment, so it is essential that you fill out the proper paperwork as soon as possible to start receiving assistance.

Review your insurance policy to see if expenses such as lodging, meals, transportation are provided under your policy. Ask your insurance company to assign a case manager to help you and to answer questions you may have.

For hospital expenses, ask to speak to a financial counselor in the business office to help develop a payment plan.

If you are having difficulty with your living expenses, talk directly with your creditors. Many utility and mortgage companies, for example, will work out a payment plan with you before a crisis develops.
One South Memorial Drive, Suite 800, Saint Louis, MO  63102

Phone 314-241-1600   Fax 314-241-1996

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