The Cancer Foundation Financial Assistance Program (FAP)
Eligibility Guidelines

Program Overview: The Cancer Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program (FAP) provides direct financial support to cancer patients facing hardship. The goal is to ease the non-medical financial burdens of cancer so patients can focus on their health and recovery. Eligible patients can receive up to $1,000 per year in assistance toward essential living expenses. This support may be used for needs like housing, utility bills, transportation, and other critical expenses during treatment. The program is funded by generous donations and has helped thousands of families in Northeast Georgia cope with the financial strain of cancer.

Eligibility Criteria

Patients must meet all of the following criteria to qualify for the FAP:

• Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment: You must have a current cancer diagnosis verified by a healthcare provider, and be in active treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, or receiving hospice care. Patients who have recently completed treatment may also qualify, generally within six months of active treatment.

• Residence in Service Area: You must reside in Northeast Georgia within The Cancer Foundation’s 25-county service area. Eligible counties include Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Habersham, Hart, Jackson, Jasper, Lumpkin, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Rabun, Stephens, Taliaferro, Towns, Union, Walton, White, and Wilkes.

• Financial Need (Income Eligibility): Your household must demonstrate financial need, defined as a total household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for your family size. Gross (pre-tax) income from all adult household members is counted.

Link directs to US Department of Health and Human Services website

“Household” includes all persons living together who are related by blood, marriage, a committed partnership, or legal adoption and who depend on the combined income.

Applicants must meet all three criteria above (cancer treatment, residence, and income) to be eligible. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, a social worker or financial counselor at your treatment center can help evaluate your situation.

Types of Assistance Provided

The FAP covers a range of non-medical essential expenses to support you during your cancer journey. Approved funds are paid directly to the service provider (not the patient) for bills in the following categories:

• Housing Costs: Rent or mortgage payments to keep you safely housed during treatment.

• Utility Bills: Electric, water, gas, and other utility bills to ensure your home remains functional and comfortable.

• Transportation: The costs of traveling to treatment appointments, such as gasoline or arranged rides (e.g., Uber Health or similar services).

• Health Insurance Premiums: Monthly insurance premiums to prevent loss of coverage during your illness.

• Medical Supplies: Durable medical equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, walkers) and consumable medical supplies (bandages, ostomy supplies, etc.) not covered by insurance.

• Dietary Supplements: Doctor-recommended nutritional drinks or supplements (e.g., high-protein shakes) to help maintain strength during treatment.

• Funeral Expenses: In the event of end-of-life, assistance with modest funeral or burial costs.

Note: FAP funds do not cover direct medical treatments or procedures (those should be addressed by healthcare insurance or hospital charity care). The assistance is intended for out-of-pocket living expenses that become difficult to afford due to the financial impact of cancer. If you have a specific need not listed above, discuss it with TCF’s Program Staff —some other cancer-related expenses might be considered on a case-by-case basis as “financial needs unique to your cancer journey.”

Application Requirements

Applying for financial assistance involves working with your healthcare team and providing documentation to verify your eligibility. To apply, you will need:

• Application Form: A completed FAP application, which is available online. You can reach out to a hospital social worker, nurse navigator, or financial counselor to assist you in filling out the form and submitting it electronically on your behalf​. (If you do not have a social worker, speak with your cancer care team to connect with one or obtain the application materials.)

• Proof of Diagnosis and Treatment: Documentation from your healthcare provider confirming your cancer diagnosis and current treatment or hospice status. This may be a letter from your oncologist or a section of the application that your doctor or clinic must sign. A referral from a healthcare provider is required to confirm that you are under care​.

• Proof of Residency: A document showing your current address within the eligible Northeast Georgia counties. For example, a copy of a driver’s license, state ID, or a recent utility bill with your name and address can prove residency.

• Proof of Income: Documents supporting the household income for all working members of your family. This can include recent pay stubs (the last 8 weeks are typically required​), unemployment or disability benefit statements, or the prior year’s tax return/W-2 forms. These documents verify that your household income exceeds the 250% FPG limit. Note: The Cancer Foundation does not require Social Security numbers for assistance so that you can provide income proof with financial documents only​.

• Current Bills/Invoices: Copies of the bills you request assistance with. For each expense (rent, utility, etc.), provide the most recent bill or notice showing the amount due, due date, account number, and the payee information (e.g., landlord or utility company name and address)​. These bills will be used to make direct payments. Ensure the bills are in the patient’s or another household member’s name and are currently due/unpaid.

Once you have gathered all required documents, your provider or counselor will submit the application to The Cancer Foundation on your behalf. Incomplete applications (missing documents or information) will not be reviewed until all necessary information is provided​, so double-check that everything is included.

Funding Limits

The Financial Assistance Program provides a maximum of $1,000 in assistance per eligible patient per calendar year​. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Annual Cap: Each patient may receive up to $1,000 in total support annually (January–December). Depending on your needs, this could be used in one lump sum for a single expense or spread across multiple bills. You can discuss with your social worker which bills are most urgent to apply for assistance.

• Reapplication: You may reapply each year for additional assistance. The program is based on the calendar year, so if you received assistance this year and continue to need help next year, you can submit a new application when the new year begins (with updated documents). There is no automatic renewal; you must meet the eligibility criteria each year and provide current documentation.

• Multiple Patients in Household: If more than one family member in your household is a cancer patient, each patient may qualify for their own $1,000 assistance limit. The program will treat each patient separately in terms of the cap​. (For example, a husband and wife in treatment could each receive up to $1,000, for a total of $2,000 for the household, if both are eligible.)

Keep in mind that funding is limited to $1,000 per patient per year, regardless of the number or cost of bills—any costs beyond $1,000 remain the responsibility of the patient/family. The $1,000 limit is subject to change in future years based on available funding, but if it does, the Foundation will communicate that in updated guidelines.

Summary

The Cancer Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program is here to provide a financial lifeline to cancer patients in Northeast Georgia. By understanding the eligibility guidelines and application process outlined above, you can quickly improve your chances of receiving help. The program covers vital everyday expenses up to $1,000, paying your creditors directly so you can maintain stability at home while you undergo treatment. If you meet the criteria – a cancer diagnosis under active treatment or hospice, living in the 25-county region, and within the income limits – we encourage you to work with your healthcare team to apply. The Foundation processes requests as fast as possible with compassion and confidentiality. In difficult times, this assistance can make a meaningful difference. The Cancer Foundation is committed to walking alongside you in your cancer journey, easing the financial burdens where possible.

If you have any questions or need help with the application, please contact The Cancer Foundation. We are here to help you navigate and will do our best to ensure you get the support you need. Stay strong, and please remember you are not alone—an entire community stands ready to support you.