Eligibility
Anyone with a confirmed diagnosis of MS (or related disorder*) who can demonstrate true financial need associated with the effects of the disorder is eligible for consideration. Since resources are limited, the National MS Society may not be able to fulfill all requests or cover all expenses related to a needed service or item. However, a consistent application process and the thorough evaluation of each application will help ensure support for those whose needs are the greatest and where support can be most effectively leveraged. When we are not able to fund specific needs through our own program resources, a National MS Society staff member can provide information and resources to help identify alternative solutions.
*Related Disorders
Clinically isolated syndrome, e.g. optic neuritis; Diffuse cerebral sclerosis (including Schilder's Disease); Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (post-infectious Encephalomyelitis or ADEM); Balo's disease; Neuromyelitis optica (Delvic's disease or Devic's syndrome); HTLV I associated myelopaty (HAM), also known as Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP); Transverse myelitis.
Eligibility Critera
- Exhaustion of potential community resources
- Completed and signed Financial Assistance Application Form
- Documentation of the cost of the item or service for which you are seeking assistance
- A written statement from your physician that you have been diagnosed with MS or related disorder (if you have not provided this to us previously)
- Physician’s prescription or other documentation (if this is a medically-related item or service)
- Verification of need with involved agency(s) such as power bill, DME quote, etc.
Each request is subject to information provided on the application and will be evaluated on a sliding scale based on income and size of household.