Cancer patients may experience financial hardship if their cancer diagnosis or treatment affects their ability to work or if they do not have full health-care benefits.

For questions about travel or financial help while receiving treatment in Sudbury, call the Supportive Care Program of the Regional Cancer Program at 705-522-6237 ext 2175.

For questions about travel or financial help while receiving treatment in Sault Ste. Marie, call the Oncology Social Worker of the Algoma District Cancer Program of the Sault Area Hospital at 705-759-3434 ext 4354.

Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada has a very good booklet on financial aid called Coping With Your Financial Concerns When You Have Breast Cancer: A guide to resources and services in the Province of Ontario.

Medications to take at home may be part of your cancer care. If you have a drug plan, check to see if these medications are covered. If you do not have a private drug plan, the following programs may be able to help with the cost of drugs.

Trillium Drug Program
This program helps with the cost of medication. After approval, the program will decide your ‘deductible’ based on your family net income. (The deductible is the portion of the cost that you pay)  For more information and an application form call 1-800-575-5386 or see www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/drugs/trillium.html.  

Emergency assistance
The Ontario Works General Welfare Assistance program in your community may give you money in an emergency. To qualify for this program, your finances are closely reviewed. 
For more information call 1-800-461-1167.or see http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/. 

•  The Human Resources staff where you work can give you information about sick leave and disability benefits.
• For information about Employment Insurance call your local Canada   Employment Centre.
• If you have paid into the Canada Pension Plan, you may be able to get Canada Pension Disability Benefits. For information call the Income Security Program at Human Resources Development Canada, 1-800-277-9914.
  

Emergency assistance
The Ontario Works-General Welfare Assistance program in your community may give you money in an emergency. This program provides short-term financial help. If you qualify you will receive some money each month and a drug card to pay for medication.  This type of financial help is usually given when there is no other help. To qualify for this program, a person’s finances are closely reviewed.

For more information call 1-800-461-1167.or see http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/.