Fed Financial

is there anyplace to get financial help while staying home with spouse that has cancer?

My friends husband has brain cancer and doesn't have long to live.She has to work but also wants to spend all her time with him.Is there any organization out there that can help her while going through this hard time? She doesn't have any type of financial backup to where she can stay home with him rather than work.So please if anyone knows of anyone at all that may be able to help her financially please let me know as soon as possible.She just came back to work today but he may only have months to live so she needs this asap. Thank you in advance for all your help.

Public Comments

1. Have her meet the the social worker at the hospital where her husband received his cancer treatment. They may be able to help her. they can direct her where she needs to go. Hope this helps.
2. In the US, they may be able to receive benefits from social security, both him on disability, and her as his care giver. THe social worker at the hosp is great contact. If they have the kind of credit that would allow her a loan, now is the time persue that. If someone in the family has that kind of credit or money, nows the time to beg. Are there any church or civic groups that will help them out during this time? If she wants to keep her job she also needs to file the appropriate forms for fmla. If she is full time, she is entitled to take all vaca and sick leave, possibly have vaca time donated, and then 12 weeks unpaid leave. Anything beyond that is up to the employer, but she is entitled to that much. I would atleast file it, to keep some sort of job security. I mean, if he dies 2 weeks from now, she is going to need to return to work. Also, fund raising. Yard sales, bake sales. Teachers have a lot of resources for fund raisers and the majority of the programs they use can be used by the general public. Car washes, change jars. The local news has a huge list of contacts and resources.
3. Unfortunately, this type stuff really sucks. It is not an uncommon situation. He can apply for and receive SSDI, Depending on type tumor and medical prognosis, that may go thru quickly. you can also get a small amount from SSI, IF you are unemployed.. If you have dependent children, under age 18. they are also eligible for SSI. SOME states have an extra supplement to go with the SSI. We are in the same boat. Do check with local groups and churches to see if they are willing to help. Unfortunately, sometimes raising funds takes as many hours as a full-time job. Click on the link below and read the "financial plan" article. Also check out SSA.gov
4. I am in a close situation, but I'm not married to the guy that is dying and I don't live with him. I am physically and mentally trying so hard to help and I am physically and mentally going DOWN. I work 40 hours. I live at home and help my parents. I have known John for18 years and I'm getting scared because he is in the final stages of his cancer and I can't help to say the truth, but I give all of my time not at work to him; I get up early to give his pain meds....I won't go on about that. I felt so sad when I read your email because your friend is probably so down with her husbands condition and then to have work and bills and just to go and do your job and feel normal is something that leaves us when someone we love is suffering. I'm going to write to the American Cancer society and call them to see if there is help financially..........My body aches from being tired and my mind aches from all that I think about and I feel so guilty when I can't give what I should at work. I hate leaving him home alone. Hospice comes but he needs people that love him. It just kills me that he lays there alone..........My friend collects SSI........I got him on that when he became ill last September 2007......Now he only has weeks so live.........I always think, why wouldnt there or THERE SHOULD BE some kind of finalcial aide out there for me to BE THERE FOR HIM JUST FOR A LITTLE AMOUNT OF TIME........There is the family leave act, but that just promises you your job back if you take time off. In MY CASE, I CAN'T EVEN BE OFF BECAUSE I'M NOT MARRIED........I have left early and been told about it and my salary has been docked. I know there is a form that you get from the Oncologist and any cancer center that STOPS employers from doing that. It's AGAINST THE LAW IF YOU ARE HELPING SOMEONE WITH CANCER. I will look into it and get back to you.........I'll do it for me too........I'm so sorry.........Janet