Because you deserve support and not stress.

You already know that living with a chronic illness is a full-time job that nobody signed up for. Between managing symptoms, juggling appointments, and just trying to get through each day, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether you can afford your medication, mobility aids, rent, or even groceries. 

If you’re in the U.S. and struggling financially, there are resources out there.  These are real organizations offering grants, ongoing programs, and emergency help for people living with chronic conditions.

This guide brings those options together in one place, so you can breathe a little easier and know of a few places where to start.  As your reading through this list, keep in mind that there are other programs out there.  Folks working at these places should be able to help guide you on where to start or where to go next. 

Before we dive in....
Please remember: always double check the website, phone number, and legitimacy of any organization before sharing personal information. Never give your Social Security number, bank info, or medical details to anyone you’re unsure about. These are suggestions only as your situation is unique, and not every resource will apply.

Let’s walk through the help that’s out there. 🌿

---

💊 Help With Medications & Treatment Costs

PAN Foundation (Patient Access Network Foundation)

If your medications are incredibly expensive (hi, welcome to the club we never wanted to join), PAN may be able to help.

They offer disease-specific grants that can cover:

• Medication copays
• Insurance premiums
• Transportation to medical care

📍 Great for: chronic illness, rare disease, high-cost medications
🌐 panfoundation.org

Also, you can check with the manufacturer of the medication you're taking for any savings cards that may be offered as well as the Pharmacy that you use.  Just using this one tip that I've shared has saved me thousands (yes, thousands!) each month for the medication that I am prescribed.

---

EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases

If you have a rare or difficult-to-treat condition, this foundation helps cover medication costs, copays, deductibles, and more.

📍 Great for: rare disease, underinsured patients
🌐 everylifefoundation.org

---

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)

This is one of the biggest support organizations out there, and their financial aid programs go beyond medications. PAF can sometimes help with:

• Housing (rent/mortgage)
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Groceries
• Medical supplies and mobility essentials

📍 Great for: multiple chronic conditions, financial hardship
🌐 patientadvocate.org

---

🏠 Help With Rent, Mortgage & Safe Housing

Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP / ERA)

These programs are run by each state/county and are designed to help you stay in stable housing. They can assist with:

• Rent
• Utility bills
• Late payment support
• Some housing-related expenses

Check your local Department of Human Services website to apply.

---

Social Security Housing Programs

Even if you’re not on SSDI/SSI, some programs may help if you’re disabled or medically vulnerable:

• S+C (Supportive Housing & Services)
• SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Section 8

📍 Great for: people with disabilities, people at risk of homelessness

---

Local Housing Authorities & Community Agencies

Local social service offices often have emergency funds for housing, especially if you’re chronically ill, disabled, or living on a fixed income.

---

💡 Help With Utilities, Groceries & Daily Living Costs

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

This program helps with heating and cooling bills during the most expensive months of the year.

📍 Covers: gas, electric, heating oil, propane, and sometimes water
🌐 Apply through your state’s energy assistance office.

---

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

This can help cover home repairs like:

• Insulation
• Sealing drafts
• Furnace upgrades

This lowers your long-term energy bills and makes your home more comfortable.

---

Local Social Service Agencies & Faith-Based Organizations

Many offer:

• Emergency groceries
• Prescription vouchers
• Utility assistance
• Gas cards
• Transportation to medical appointments

Your local United Way, Salvation Army, or Community Action Agency is a great place to start as well as local churches.  They can get you in touch with other people/organizations that may be able to help.

---

🦽 Help With Mobility Aids & Home Modifications

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)

Some of their programs can cover medical supplies, mobility aids, and home modifications depending on your diagnosis.

---

State Disability Programs

Many states have disability offices that offer:

• Grants for bathroom safety modifications
• Wheelchair ramps
• Durable medical equipment
• In-home support

Search: “(your state) disability services home modification program”

---

Disease-Specific Organizations

Some nonprofits offer grants for equipment or accessibility needs, such as:

• Arthritis Foundation
• Multiple Sclerosis Society
• ALS Association
• Cancer support groups
• Brain injury or neurological disorder groups

If your condition has a national organization, check their website as they many have financial aid options.

---

🧡 Easy “Start Here” Tools (Highly Recommended)

BenefitsCheckUp®

A free tool from the National Council on Aging that helps you find benefits in your ZIP code.

Covers:

• Food
• Medication assistance
• Utility programs
• Housing help
• Disability support

🌐 benefitscheckup.org
✨ This is often the quickest way to find every program you qualify for.

---

USA.gov Benefits Finder

A government directory that shows all federal and state benefits you may be eligible for.

🌐 usa.gov/benefits

---

🌿 Final Thoughts: You Deserve Support

Living with a chronic illness is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to face financial fear on top of everything else. These programs exist to help keep you safe, stable, and supported.

You are not a burden. You’re not “asking for too much.” You’re simply accessing the help that was created for people going through something extremely difficult.

If this guide helped you in any way today, I’d love for you to check out all of the  resources, tips, and cozy support we have here on our website.  

Feel free to keep reading the variety of blog posts, the tools we offer here that make life easier, and reclaim a little peace and joy in your day.

In this together,

Laura