Financial Assistance

Support for recovery-related financial hardship.

Our financial assistance program is designed to help eligible patients and families address reasonable expenses directly related to recovery from brain surgery.

Who may qualify

Initial eligibility framework

  • The eligible patient resides in one of the fifty U.S. states or the District of Columbia.
  • The patient underwent brain surgery or a qualifying cranial neurosurgical procedure.
  • The household is experiencing financial hardship associated with recovery.
  • The requested assistance is for an eligible recovery-related expense.
  • The request ordinarily relates to expenses incurred or expected within 12 months after the qualifying surgery.
Extended recovery: Assistance beyond 12 months may be considered when substantial recovery-related needs remain directly attributable to the qualifying surgery.
Financial need

Need is evaluated in context.

Household income is important, but it is not the only factor.

Presumptive income guideline

Households at or below 400% of the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines will ordinarily be presumed to satisfy the income component of financial need, although income alone does not guarantee an award.

Hardship above the threshold

Households exceeding the presumptive income threshold may still qualify when substantial medical expenses, loss of income, caregiving costs, insurance limitations, or other extraordinary circumstances demonstrate genuine financial hardship.

Eligible expenses

What assistance may cover

Professional care

Home health nursing, in-home caregivers, personal care assistance, and necessary respite care.

Rehabilitation

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and other appropriate rehabilitation.

Medical & recovery needs

Medical or mobility equipment, recovery supplies, prescription medications, and other eligible out-of-pocket recovery expenses.

Transportation

Reasonable transportation to medical appointments, therapy, rehabilitation, or post-surgical follow-up care.

Temporary lodging

Lodging required for treatment, rehabilitation, or follow-up care away from home.

Home recovery

Necessary accessibility modifications, safety equipment, or related changes needed for safe recovery at home.

How it works

A clear review process.

1

Apply

Submit basic eligibility, financial, recovery, and requested-expense information.

2

Review

The Foundation evaluates eligibility, financial need, supporting documentation, and available resources.

3

Decision

The application may be approved, partially approved, held for more information, or denied.

4

Payment

Direct provider payment is preferred when practical, with reimbursement or direct assistance used when appropriate.