I am self employed so I have no disability benefits. Does anyone know what grants, gifts, entitlements or other forms of financial assistance are out there. I am 55 and fully vested in Social Security. I have to drive (or be driven 60 miles a day for treatment.

I have applied to the electric co. for an increase in the baseline for a "medically compromised immune system". And my mortgage co. has reduced my mortgage interest from 7.25 to 2.95 for a year.

Gary,
Have you talked with a social worker or financial aid person at the hospital? There should be someone there to help. I believe if a hospital receives federal funding they have some programs. Check it out and good luck.
Meredith

Hi, Contact your Social Security office about Disability benefits. You fill out some forms and your Doctor or hospital verifys it, it takes 5 months to kick in, but at least its something, about 80% of the income you had been making.gnelson,Stage IV, 2 yr.CANCER FREE.

Gary,
have you contacted UCSF's Cancer Resource Center at Mount Zion's CCC? The director, Keren Stronach, is a great source of support and information. When in town for your treatment try to stop by, they offer a lot of classes, support groups, information etc.
Sigrid

http://128.218.158.58/interact/crc/index.asp

[email protected]

I am curious who the benevolent mortgage company is; this is highly unusual to find a company with this type of compassionate program. Sigrid's information is really useful, thank you for putting this up.

World Savings gave me a break. Actually they have been very good to me in many ways. They are also extending my equity line of credit.

I discovered in California there is a "direct cash assistance" for property tax for disabled persons.

I'm contacting SS today for the forms. I also understand that caregivers may also be compensated by SSI at $10.00/hr. Someone also told me that Medicare may pay part of my insurance through SSI also.

Just got off the phone with Social Security. You will need the following documentation to expedite your claim:
1. Medical records (to prove your illness and date of original diagnosis)
2. Certified copy of your birth cert.
3. A list of all meds you are taking (ask the pharmacist for a printout)
4. A recent SS statement
5. Schedule C(s) if self employed

If in California there is also "In home supportive services" through State Dept of Social Services which will provide some financial assistance for caregivers -even if they are your spouses!

PS you have to be disabled more than 2 years before Medicare will kick in

Found some financial aid information on another web site. Has quite a few agencies to check. Have not checked any of them, just found them this evening. Web Site is www.cancercare.org, on the home page on the right is 3 or 4 drop down menus. Go under Helping Hand and click on Financial Assistance. Hope this helps!!!

Mike D.

Hi, I just recieved a letter in the mail from Medicare. I guess my two years on disability are up shortly and they say I am able to get medicare. Part A is hospital is free, Part B is Medical and you pay about $54.00 a month for it. You need a second policy to cover what Medicare does not. The second policy are ones like Pa. has "Gold" ones for the elderly. My current insurance has paid for everything, but it is expensive. I am not sure if the Medicare way would not leave me outstanding bills???? Also, there is something known as SSI.Supplemental Security Income. I guess it is more income monthly, if you fall under certain catagories, differs by state also. I need to look into this more. An appointment with your social security office could answer all questions.gnelson,Stage IV,2years Cancer FREE.