What outside sources of financial help are available to cancer patients?

Most families find it hard to turn to others or to agencies and funds for financial help. The extra expenses of cancer may be the first time a family has had problems with money. Families should remember that their problems in this situation are often short-lived and not unique. In the future, they may be the ones who can offer help to others.

There are many possible sources of help for families who need some extra financial support at this time:

• Income assistance for low-income families through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

• Income assistance for needy families from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

• Help with treatment-related travel, meals, and lodging from public and private programs.

• Help with basic living costs (such as rent, mortgage, insurance premiums, utilities, and telephone) from public and private programs.

• Help from church, civic, social, and fraternal groups in the community.

Help may also be available from groups like the Salvation Army, Catholic Social Services, the United Way, Jewish Social Services, and others that can be found in the yellow pages.

Even though it is not available in all areas, United Way of America and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems have set up a 211 service in many parts of the country. You can call 211 to find out what help might be available in your area.

There are Agency on Aging offices in many areas that can help older people with cancer. Call 1-800-677-1116 for their Eldercare Locator to learn what is in your area, and whether you might be able to get help..

The American Cancer Society also has many helpful services. Call 1-800-227-2345 to find out more about these and other local resources in your area.