FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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“Who can apply for financial assistance?”

Financial aid is available to a family that has to deal with a child who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, or has experienced a catastrophic accident or surgical event of a child requiring a lengthy rehabilitation or recovery process.

“How much money can we get?”

Each family can apply for up to $500.00 every six months. This does not mean that each family will get the full $500.00 benefit, and it does not necessarily mean that this is the only money you can get. It is our goal to assist families as much as we can. We realize that some things come up, and there is an urgent need for assistance. We will make every effort to assist with finding additional resources that may be available. Unfortunately, we cannot help everyone the moment they apply, and there is often a list of people waiting for funds. This is why we are busy trying to develop our services and working with partners so that we can provide whatever assistance we can to help a family in need.

“What can we use the money for?”

ETF will assist with “essential to living” expenses. We will help pay electric bills, water bills, travel expenses related to the child’s healthcare, supplies necessary for the sick child or a sibling, or any item that is deemed “necessary” to help maintain the family unit.

“Will ETF help me pay a phone bill?”

ETF realizes that cell phones are essential for families caring for a sick child. However, many cell phone bills require payments in full in order to maintain service. ETF will provide a pay-as-you-go phone as part of the $500.00 allotment for a family. This helps to keep communication open, yet does not use an unnecessary amount of the money to pay for an overdue phone bill.

“What are examples of things that ETF WON’T pay for?”

ETF will not pay for credit card bills, bills that are for services like lawn care, security deposits, or any item that is not essential for living.

“Will ETF help with costs of funeral expenses?”

Yes. ETF will help a family with funeral expenses. Often times, we will work with other agencies to be certain that a family dealing with the loss of a child does not spend one moment worrying about how they will be cared for once they have passed away.

“Is there anything else I need to know about financial assistance?”

ETF must be certain to maintain adequate records. If we are to pay a bill, we will need a statement of what is owed, so that we can pay the bill directly. We will not give money to a third party and have the bill paid by someone else. ETF will make certain that the item in need is paid for, and that adequate records document for whom the money was used. If a bill is $700.00, and ETF assistance will be used for that purpose, we will need a statement from the company receiving the money, indicating that $500.00 was paid, by ETF, toward the balance due of $700.00. If we cannot get verification from a company that this is what the money is being used for, we will be unable to pay the bill. It is best if ETF pays a specific bill, for a specific amount. This allows for clean and concise record keeping.

If there are any further questions about Financial Assistance through The Elena Tresh Foundation, Inc., you may contact a representative directly. We will make every effort to lessen the burden placed on a family who is dealing with a seriously or terminally ill child.