Mortgage, Utilities, & Other Help

Mortgage, Utilities, Legal & Taxes help for cancer patients
This page was originally published January 9, 2018 and updated February 15, 2024.

Free Mortgage, Utilities, & Other Help for Cancer Patients

Cancer takes a toll in every way possible. The last thing a cancer patient needs is the added stress that comes with the financial burdens related to cancer care. These governmental and nonprofit agencies help cancer patients and families struggling with a broad range of financial issues.  All assistance is free of charge and available nationwide to cancer patients and families in the USA.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are struggling financially, you are not alone. If you need help paying for mortgage or rent, utilities, filing taxes, or even getting legal or financial-planning advice related to your care, these no-cost programs can assist you today. Please get in touch with the organizations below and get the help you need all at no cost to you. ❤️

If you find an error in any listing, let us know here.

HELPS Law Firm

HELPS Nonprofit Law Center

Main URL: Visit

Description:

HELPS is a nonprofit law firm that serves disabled persons in the USA struggling with student loan debt. HELPS never turns away a qualified disabled person who needs help and assists with the federal student loan disability discharge program. Please call HELPS 855-435-7787 or visit their website here for assistance.


Join the Flock Grant Program

Join the Flock Housing Grant Program

Main URL: Visit
Email: info@jointheflockinc.org

Description:

Join the Flock is a national nonprofit organization that provides financial relief to families impacted by cancer through gifted mortgage payment grants. If your family has experienced financial hardship due to a cancer diagnosis and you are a USA resident, please visit this link to apply.


IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Main URL: Visit

Description:

The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax return preparation and tax advice for people with disabilities including cancer. These no-cost services are available nationwide to cancer patients in the USA. To locate a free tax program near you, please use the IRS online search tool here.


A Better Balance Free Legal Help for Cancer Patients

A Better Balance

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Free legal advice on workplace issues for USA residents experiencing a medical issue in the family. This national nonprofit can help with family and medical leave issues, medical accommodation requests, discrimination claims, and more. Contact the helpline using this form or call (833) 633-3222 for assistance over the phone.


CaringInfo Free HealthCare Directive

CaringInfo Free Advance Directive

Main URL: Visit
Phone: (800) 658-8898
Email: caringinfo@nhpco.org

Description:

CaringInfo provides free online state-specific advance directives. An Advance directive is a legal document that enables you to let other people know what care-related choices you have made and what is important to you. To complete and download your state form, please visit this link.


Dollar For Medical Bill Disputes

Dollar For Medical Debt Forgiveness

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Dollar For is a national nonprofit organization that helps patients dispute medical bill charges, prepares and submits your applications, and gets your medical debt forgiven. Services are completely free. If you have unpaid medical bills of any kind for services rendered in the USA, please get in touch with this program for no-cost help today.


FreeWill Free Legal Documents

FreeWill Legal Documents

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Simple, free online tool to create state-specific wills, trust documents, advance healthcare directives, and more. All estate plans made using FreeWill are legal and specifically tailored to your jurisdiction, and all documents can be updated when plans change. To complete your forms, please visit this link.


nfcc_free legal help for cancer patients

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

Main URL: Visit
Phone: (800) 388-2227

Description:

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is a nonprofit organization that provides credit counseling, debt management, and bankruptcy services. To get help from an NFCC certified counselor near you, please complete the form here or, if you prefer, you can email them at info@nfcc.org or call them at (800) 388-2227 to speak with a certified credit counselor over the phone. 100% fee waivers are available to those meeting income requirements.


Legal Services Corporation Free Help for Cancer Patients

The Legal Services Corporation

Main URL: Visit

Description:

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is a nonprofit corporation that provides legal aid to low-income Americans. LSC serves people with a variety of legal needs from family law to employment issues and more. To be eligible for help from LSC, an individual must have an annual income below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines or be receiving public assistance. For assistance, complete the form here.


SSA Compassionate Allowance Program for Cancer Patients

Social Security Compassionate Allowances Program

Main URL: Visit
Phone: (800) 772-1213

Description:

This program streamlines the Social Security Disability application process so that patients can start receiving disability payments quickly. First, check out the list of eligible conditions here. If your condition is listed, then apply here. If you need help determining if your situation qualifies for this fast-track program, please call SSA directly right away at (800) 772-1213.


Triage Cancer Free Legal and Mortgage Assistance

Triage Cancer Legal & Financial Assistance

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Free customized support program for cancer patients, caregivers, and medical staff who need help with insurance, finances, and legal matters related to cancer care and treatment. Get practical guidance from experts today and all at no cost. Visit Triage Cancer’s Legal & Financial Navigation Program signup form here.


Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Emergency Rental Assistance program with federal funds through the Department of the Treasury as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Grant funds pay for up to 18 months of housing rental costs for residents in all states in the USA with financial need. If you are having trouble paying your rent, please visit this link to locate your state program and apply online.


Upsolve_Free_Bankruptcy_Filing

Upsolve Free Bankruptcy Filing

Main URL: Visit

Description:

A nonprofit tool that allows you to complete Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms online and for free. Includes education, customer support, and community. Featured in Forbes and funded by institutions like Harvard University so this service is available at no cost to anyone living in the USA. To complete your forms online, please create your free account here.


USDA Home Repair Grant Program

USDA Housing Repair Grant

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Income-based grants of up to $7500 to repair, improve or modernize owner-occupied residential homes to remove health and safety hazards. Applicant must be 62 or older to apply. In addition, family income must be less than half of the median in that area and property address must be in qualifying location.  To check your property address and download the application form, please visit this page.


Federal Student Loan Discharge

Federal Student Loan Discharge

Main URL: Visit

Description:

If you are totally and permanently disabled, you may qualify for a total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge of 100% of your federal student loan balance.  If you receive a TPD discharge, you will no longer be required to repay your loans and the balance is forgiven.  There is no cost to apply. To learn more and apply online, please visit the Federal Student Loan information and application system here.


Weatherization Assistance Grant

Weatherization Assistance Grant

Main URL: Visit

Description:

The U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Grant makes energy-efficiency repairs to low-income renters and homeowners in the USA. Grant maximum of approximately $8000 for repairs. Households at or below 200% of the poverty income guidelines (or 60% of state-median income) may qualify. To locate your state program and apply online for this housing repair grant, please visit this link.


Emergency Solutions Grant

HUD Emergency Solutions Grant

Main URL: Visit

Description:

The HUD Emergency Solutions Grant provides help for low-income renters in the USA at immediate risk of homelessness. Includes funding for short-term rental assistance, payment of rental arrears, advance payment rental deposits, utility deposits and payments, moving costs, mediation, legal services, and more. Must have an annual income that does not exceed 50% of Area Median Income to qualify. Visit this link to locate your local program and apply online.


Ciitizen Free Medical Records Repository for Cancer Patients

Ciitizen

Main URL: Visit

Description:

A free medical records service for cancer patients that gathers and creates a repository of all of your medical records across all networks and service providers in one single place. Ensure that your care team has access to all of your labs, scans, and treatment so that everyone is on the same page and you can focus on getting the best possible care based on all of the information contained in your entire medical record. To get started, please visit this page.


Free Financial Planning Services for Cancer Patients and Caregivers

CENTS Financial Planning for Cancer

Main URL: Visit

Description:

The CENTS Program provides the services of a Certified Financial Planner at no cost to cancer patients and caregivers. In addition, this free nationwide program comes with a personal patient advocate to help sort out health insurance and other cancer-related payment issues. This generous program is funded by the Foundation for Financial Planning.  Contact the program for more information on this free service here.


aarp free advanced directive forms by state

AARP Advanced Directive Legal Forms

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Free state-specific legal forms to make your wishes regarding your care known and to appoint someone to make sure those wishes are carried out. Forms are available for all states and are free for everyone regardless of age. You do not need to be an AARP member to download and complete these documents. Select your state forms here.


FCC Affordable Connectivity Program

FCC Affordable Connectivity Program

Main URL: Visit

Description:

National financial assistance program that provides $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligibility is based on financial need. Applicant’s household earnings cannot exceed 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. To view this year’s FPL numbers and apply, please visit this link.


United Way Free Tax Filing Program

United Way Free Tax Filing Program

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Free tax filing program available for US residents who meet certain income guidelines (currently $66,000 or less for individuals). This program is offered by the United Way and provides online federal and state return filing for free. Get started here.


National Cancer Legal Services Network

National Cancer Legal Services Network

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Free legal services programs for people affected by cancer. Legal services programs include assisting with insurance disputes, obtaining public benefits and housing, resolving employment issues, and quality-of-care concerns. Please visit the help center here.


LawHelp.org free legal help for cancer patients

LawHelp.org

Main URL: Visit

Description:

An online portal that connects you to non-profit and pro bono legal aid programs with eligibility for free services based on income and financial need. These programs provide a variety of free legal services including assistance with legal rights and self-help information. To locate a free legal aid program near you, please visit the online search form here.


Salvation Army helps cancer patients with rent, utilities, and food.

The Salvation Army

Main URL: Visit

Description:

The Salvation Army provides help with utility bills, utility deposits, rent and mortgage payments, prescription medications, food, and clothing needs for families in financial need. Your local Salvation Army will have all the details. You will need to provide valid ID and other documents as part of the application process. To locate your local Salvation Army, visit this link and search by ZIP code.


Making Home Affordable free mortgage assistance for cancer patients

Making Home Affordable

Main URL: Visit

Description:

National, government-sponsored mortgage assistance for a variety of situations from temporary financial difficulties to long-term solutions. Programs available for all homeowners in the US experiencing financial hardship. Check out your options for immediate assistance with this free Federal program here.


HPF Homeowner Hotline help cancer patients keep their homes and avoid foreclosure

HPF Homeowner Hotline

Main URL: Visit
Email: info@995hope.org

Description:

HUD-certified counselors provide free financial counseling and options to keep your home and avoid foreclosure during times of financial difficulty. If you are a US homeowner having trouble keeping up with your payments, you can get help right now by visiting this link.


free home energy assistance for cancer patients

Campaign for Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Main URL: Visit

Description:

The LIHEAP federal program helps households who cannot afford to make their home energy efficient or pay to keep their utilities running to locate local agencies who can help for free.  To find the agency near you, please use their lookup system here.


TANF Financial Assistance

Temporary Assistance Grant

Main URL: Visit

Description:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are federal grants provided to low-income families in the USA caring for children in the household who are under 18. This monthly cash-based grant awards program helps those who are having trouble meeting monthly expenses.  To check your eligibility and apply online, please visit this link.


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Cancer Care News is a non-profit 501(c)(3) sharing evidence-based cancer updates & financial resources for patients & families in the USA. Please share the information you find helpful with others in need.

4 Comments

  1. This information should be printed on brochures and given out around the cancer hospitals. These can help prevent a million nervous breakdowns

  2. Hi David,

    We agree and are so happy you find the information helpful! There is so much financial stress that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. Hopefully, easy access to agencies that can help will ease some of that burden.

  3. Its been very long and hard, and financially difficult going on 2 yrs of treatment now.

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