The National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) launched a COVID-19 Critical Relief Program to provide much-needed assistance to members of the rare community affected by the current pandemic. The program provides financial relief that may be utilized to support critical, non-medical needs.
The COVID-19 Critical Needs Non-Medical Assistance Fund provides eligible individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with financial assistance for unexpected or emergency, essential expenses such as:
- Unexpected Utility Expenses
- Communication expenses (e.g. phone, cell phone, internet)
- Emergency repairs to car, furnace, home, or major appliances
- Assistance with travel and/or lodging expenses
- Rent or mortgage payment assistance
- Support for adaptive learning during school closures
Eligibility requirements for the program include:
- Patients must have a confirmed rare disease diagnosis
- Individuals must be US citizens or provide documentation of permanent US residency status; or resident of the United States for at least six months. Applicants must be willing to provide proof of residency such as a utility bill indicating their name and address.
- Applicants must meet financial eligibility criteria (at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines (FPL) or demonstrate financial impact/mitigating circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic (examples include job loss, inability to work due to stay-at-home orders, school closures etc.).
- The need for which assistance is being sought must meet the critical needs, non-medical essential criteria.
To be considered for eligibility, please provide your full name, a phone number at which to be reached, and the rare disease which you/your family member has been diagnosed. Email this information to covid19assistance@rarediseases.org, and you will be contacted in a few days after your initial contact.
For more information, visit https://rarediseases.org/nord-launches-financial-assistance-program-for-rare-disease-community-members-impacted-by-covid-19/