Financial Assistance Program FAQ

How long does the process take?

The process can take up to six weeks from submission of the application to approval for payment.

Komen is honored to have served more than 16,000 individuals last year through this program. Processing this many applications, communicating with applicants and providers for necessary medical documentation, and ensuring payment information is accurate for such a high volume of applications takes time. We thank you in advance for your patience.

What are the eligibility criteria?

*EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 15, 2023 our eligibility criteria is as follows:

  • Applicant must:
    • Live in the United States, Washington D.C., or U.S. territory, determined by the mailing address provided on the application.
      • Proof of residence, citizenship or immigration status is NOT required or considered for eligibility.
    • Currently be in active treatment for stage 0-3 breast cancer that was diagnosed in the last 24 months OR living with metastatic breast cancer.
      • Determined by confirmation from the applicant’s medical provider.
    • Have a current annual household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
      • Determined by the number of individuals in the applicant’s household, their state of residence and their current annual household income.
  • Individuals may apply once every 12 months based on the last payment date.
  • Payment to applicants is dependent on availability of funds. Funds are issued on a first-come, first-served basis for those who meet the eligibility requirements and are approved by Komen. Eligibility under this section does not guarantee payment.

What expenses can I use the financial assistance for?

Our program provides support for expenses that may keep individuals from receiving the breast cancer care they need. Funding may be requested for daily-living costs such as:

  • Rent or housing
  • Bills or utilities
  • Transportation
  • Food or groceries
  • Side-effect management medication (e.g. pain, anti-nausea, etc.)
  • Oral treatment medications (e.g. chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, etc.)
  • Lymphedema care or supplies
  • Child care
  • Elder care
  • Home health care
  • Palliative care
  • Durable medical equipment (e.g. oxygen, walker, wheelchair, etc.)

How do I apply?

There are multiple ways to apply for the Komen Financial Assistance program. We strongly suggest using the online application where possible. Please only choose one option as sending duplicate applications can increase processing time.

OR

Download an application (en Español), complete it and return it along with your required medical letter via:

  • Email: TreatmentAssistance@komen.org
  • Mail: Susan G. Komen
              Attn: KFA
              13770 Noel Rd.
              Suite 801889
              Dallas, TX 75380
  • Fax: (972) 454-4657

Can I complete an application for someone else?

Yes, applications may be submitted via email, mail or fax on behalf of someone else, but please note:

  • All medical documentation must match the applicant.
  • Payments will only be made to the applicant.
  • Applying online through our MyKomen Health Portal is only available if applying for yourself.

What kind of medical documentation do I need to provide?

The applicant’s current stage of breast cancer dictates the medical documentation required.

For those diagnosed with stage 0 – 3 breast cancer:

  • A letter from applicant’s medical provider (doctor, nurse or oncology social worker) confirming:
    • Applicant’s name and date of birth
    • Applicant is currently active in treatment for breast cancer
    • Applicant’s current stage of cancer (stage 0-3)
    • Date of current diagnosis
  • The letter must be on the provider’s official letterhead and include the provider’s contact information.
  • Signed by the provider and dated within the past 12 months.

For those living with metastatic breast cancer (stage 4):

  • If the applicant is still in treatment, they may submit a letter from their medical provider using the same guidelines as above.
  • If applicant is no longer seeking medical treatment for their breast cancer, they may submit medical documentation in place of the medical provider letter if it includes the following:
    • Applicant’s name and date of birth
    • Medical provider’s name and contact information
    • Medical provider’s confirmation of a metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer diagnosis
    • Date of metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer diagnosis

Medical progress notes, summaries, pathology reports, pharmacy notes and screenshots from MyChart or online chart services are not accepted.

Applicants may have their provider send this directly to us by emailing it to TreatmentAssistance@komen.org or faxing it to 972-454-4657.

How will I know if my application is received and/or check the status of my application?

Applicants who applied through our MyKomen Health Portal may check the status of their application at any time by going to the Financial Assistance page on the Portal and checking under “Completed Applications.”

The best way to stay informed about your application is by providing an email address on your application. You will receive regular updates at this email address as your application moves through the process. Please remember, this process may take up to six weeks.

*TIP: If you do not receive our emails, please check your Spam or Junk folders

If I’m approved, how long will it take to receive a payment?

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee payment. Komen approves applicants who meet the eligibility criteria based on the ability of funds for this program.

Once an application is approved, payments are typically processed within two weeks. (Komen has holiday and work breaks that could cause delay in this timeframe.) Payments are processed and sent to the bank information provided on the application, or checks are mailed to the address provided on the application.

Please allow three weeks after receiving an approval notice for your bank to release funds or for your mailed check to reach you before following up.

Can I use my family member’s bank account to receive my payment?

No, payments may only be made to the applicant. Payment will not be issued to other family members or caregivers on behalf of an applicant. Payment will not be deposited into bank accounts that do not have the applicant’s name listed on them.

Why did I receive a check even though I selected ‘direct deposit’ on my application?

Payment will default to a physical check if incorrect banking information or no banking information is provided on your application.

A physical check will also be issued if there have been two failed attempts to complete a direct deposit. If this occurs, you will receive an email to confirm your mailing address before the check is sent.

To make sure your payment is deposited directly to your bank account without delay, please be sure to provide all correct banking details upon submission of your application.