Written by a parent, not a doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.

Childhood Cancer Lantern
Search Saved

Get ready to apply

American Children’s Cancer Benevolence Fund

Benevolence Assistance

What you get

Up to $1,500 per person or family per calendar year for housing, utilities, food, medical costs, funeral costs, treatment travel, and lodging. Open now, but funds are limited, so ask early.

Who starts it
You, with a letter from your doctor
How it’s sent
Email to assist@accbf.org, or by post
Your time
About 30 minutes, plus waiting for the letter
Last checked
Aug 27, 2026

Before you start, check you fit

  • Approval and amount depend on documented need and available funds.
  • The linked PDF filename dates from 2022; applicants should use the current request page or confirm that the PDF remains accepted.
  • The standard assistance cap is $1,500 per person or family per calendar year; unusual repeat or additional help remains discretionary and funding-dependent.

  1. Ask your doctor for the letterStart here. This is the part that takes the longest.

    American Children’s Cancer Benevolence Fund needs a letter from your doctor. Copy this message, or say it in person at the next visit.

    Hi [doctor’s name],

We’d like to apply to American Children’s Cancer Benevolence Fund’s Benevolence Assistance. They offer up to $1,500 per person or family per calendar year for housing, utilities, food, medical costs, funeral costs, treatment travel, and lodging, and they are taking applications now while funds last.

They need a letter from you confirming [child’s name]’s diagnosis and our situation. Their form and instructions are here: https://www.accbf.org/request-assistance-application.html

Could you write that when you have a chance? I’ll bring the printed form to our next visit, or I can email it. Thank you for everything you do for us.

[your name] · [phone]
    Copying is the only thing this page does with your text. Nothing is saved.

  2. Fill in their formPrint it, or fill it in on screen if the PDF allows.

    Open the application PDF ↗ Checked Aug 27, 2026

    What the form asks for

    Applicant and child/patient information
    Parent/Guardian First Name/Last NameAddress/City/State/ZipContact Person (if other than Applicant)TelephoneEmailChild/Patient - First Name/Last NameAgeDate of BirthDate of Diagnosis
    Healthcare provider, diagnosis, and therapy
    Physician (regardless of specialty, who is responsible for ongoing patient care)SpecialtyTreating Facility Name and Address/City/State/ZipDiagnosisState of DiseaseCurrent TherapyLength of Treatment
    Family information
    Marital StatusWhat is your current employment statusIf unemployed or disabled, what date did you begin receiving benefits
    Funds request and personal statement
    AmountDatePay toDescriptionBrief description of your need, a little about yourself, and how this assistance will benefit your family
    Declaration and optional media consent
    Can we share your storyParent/Guardian Signature

    Have ready

    • Valid state-issued identification such as a driver's license; enter or transmit it only through the official process.
    • Clear copies of each bill or invoice requested for payment, matching the name, date, and amount entered on the form.
    • For a copay or deductible reimbursement request, the original invoice plus canceled check, credit-card statement, or other proof of payment.
    • Child photo requested on the application; the separate media release states that signing the release is not required to receive assistance.

  3. Email your application and the letter togetherTo assist@accbf.org. Or post it to the address on the form.

    • Submit the completed application and supporting documents by email to assist@accbf.org or by USPS mail to the address printed on the form, then complete the phone interview.

    Email: assist@accbf.org

    Subject: Benevolence Assistance application, [child’s name]

Hello,

Attached are our completed application and the letter from [doctor’s name] at [hospital]. Please let me know that it arrived and if anything is missing.

Thank you,
[your name] · [phone]

After you send

Allow 5 to 90 business days for committee review and monitor the preferred phone, mail, or email channel for the decision or requests for more information. If you have not heard back by then, write and ask.

Full record, as published