I just saw this and want to add some comments.

In order to "be" a chapter of the NMSS, each chapter is required to offer a financial assistance program.

People with a confirmed dx and who are registered with the NMSS and the local chapter who have a need that cannot be met through their own resources will be served through the local chapter with financial aide.

The determination of need is NOT income based.

We do not pay for medical bills, rx, credit card payments, some utilities, school tuition, etc.

There are 11 categories of goods and services that we do pay for up to a maximum of $500 per year per client. And in some cases, depending on the Chapter Financial Assistance Review Committee's recommendation, this amount could be larger depending on what the request is for. Each determination is on a case-by-case basis.

Last year, 99% of all requests were approved.

Applications cannot be obtained via the internet, they must be handed out to the individual in person. This is the only way each chapter can keep track of who is applying and the reason for each request.

We just had our annual training for financial assistance for Fiscal Year '09 this week. Our budget has been increased, for all of the chapters.

Transportation to and from doc appts is one of the most requested allotments. Our chapter is trying to come up with a long term solution to this problem as there is no transportation system here. It's a real problem.

You can even request funds for chore service after a hospital stay or exacerbation from a licensed agency (house cleaning is a good example.)

If you have a financial need, contact your local chapter of the NMSS. The funds are there. Please use them.