Financial Support
Living with cancer can be financially challenging. When you are newly diagnosed, it is important to determine your eligibility to all financial programs immediately. Delays can have an impact on your finances because there may be waiting periods for some programs. It will be helpful to contact a social worker nearby to help you with this. If you would like to see a social worker, ask your primary oncologist or the AYA program for a referral.
Below is a list of financial programs and services available.
Resources
Coping with Cancer - Financial Programs for Patients with Cancer and their Caregivers (UHN Brochure)
Income Assistance at UHN (Website)
Undergoing cancer treatment can be financially stressful. You can talk to a social worker to find out about income assistance programs.
Read more about Income Assistance »
Programs & Services
Melanie’s Way
Melanie’s way is an organization that grants wishes to young women under 45 diagnosed with a metastatic or relapsed cancer. If you know anyone who could benefit from this, please share this with them!
Learn about Melanie's Way [opens in new window] »
Wellspring Money Matters
Wellspring's Money Matters program provides patients with access to individual access to financial counselling, connecting them with expert case managers that help with income replacement and drug compensation programs.
Read more about Wellspring Money Matters [opens in new window] »
Scholarships & Bursaries
Emmy Duff Scholarship
A $2,000 scholarship open to Canadian students who have had treatment or are currently being treated for cancer and are residing in Canada.
Read more about the Emmy Duff Scholarship [opens in new window] »
Pink Pearl Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship granted to a Canadian woman who has been diagnosed with cancer. You must be diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18 to 40, attending post-secondary education as a part-time or full-time student, be involved in extracurricular activities and have a minimum grade average of 65%. It is also an asset if you have attended one or more Pink Pearl programs/events.
Read more about the Pink Pearl Scholarship [opens in new window]
Childhood Cancer Canada Survivor Scholarship
A one-time award of $1,500 for students in any year of a university, college or vocational training program, provided they are enrolled in school for the fall term of the scholarship they would be awarded in.
Read more about Childhood Cancer Canada Survivor Scholarship [opens in new window] »
Coverage & Cost Reduction Programs
Childhood Cancer Canada COVID-19 Emergency Fund
The COVID-19 Emergency Fund is a financial program available to patients and families in Canada who are a young adult or have a child with cancer and who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For approved applicants, $250 is provided per family/patient as a one-time payment.
Read more and apply for the Childhood Cancer Canada COVID-19 Emergency Fund [opens in new window] »
Severe Permanent Disability Benefit (Government of Canada)
Borrowers with a severe permanent disability who are unable to repay their Canada Student Loans may be eligible to have their debt cancelled through the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit. You have to apply and qualify for this benefit.
Read more and apply for the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit [opens in new window] »
Shine Through the Rain: Rainy Day Fund
Shine Through the Rain is a charity that offers funding to patients with cancer through their Rainy Day Fund. The Rainy Day Fund provides emergency payments directly to the utility companies and landlords, ensuring that each patient has a warm, safe place to call home while recovering. The Rainy Day Fund also provides grocery gift cards and hospital transportation and parking costs. Shine Through The Rain also reviews special requests for consideration above and beyond the scope of services already covered.
Read more about Shine Through the Rain and apply for their Rainy Day Fund [opens in new window] »
Trillium Drug Program
The Trillium Drug Program helps people under the age of 65 who have high prescription drug costs relative to their household income.
Read more about the Trillium Drug Program [opens in new window] »
Power of Hope: Cost Reduction Program
Multi-dimensional plan that offers financial assistance to qualifying cancer patients who are 40 years and younger, providing a reduction in the overall cost required to pursue fertility preservation treatment.
Read more about the Power of Hope Cost Reduction Program [opens in new window] »
POGO Financial Assistance Program (POFAP) (Under 18)
POFAP is a funding program that assists Ontario families with out-of-pocket expenses for accommodation, food, and child care for siblings under the age of 12, when the parent accompanies the child to the hospital during active cancer treatment and care.
Read more about the POGO Financial Assistance Program [opens in new window] »
Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund (Breast Cancer)
This fund supports those diagnosed with breast cancer and either in active treatment or within two months of completing treatment who are living at or below the poverty line. It provides assistance for expenses not covered by health insurance, social assistance and family income. Applicants may apply for financial assistance of $1000, or apply up to twice in a year ($2000 maximum).
Read more about the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund [opens in new window] »
Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation (Breast Cancer)
This program provides financial assistance to those diagnosed with breast cancer for transportation, parking, food costs, home health, prosthetics, supportive care, rent, etc. Patients can apply 3 times to the Trust fund per calendar year with a maximum of $1000 each application.
Read more about Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation [opens in new window] »
Canadian Cancer Society Travel Treatment Fund
The Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) Travel Treatment Fund may be able to offset some of your travel costs. A financial assessment is required for this program and can be applied for annually while still receiving treatment.
Learn how to apply for the Travel Treatment Fund [opens in new window] »
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