FAQ - Social Workers

1.  What sort of documentation must families submit in order to apply for financial assistance from EKF?

Generally, families are asked to do four things:

1.  Submit a completed application.

2.  Submit a brief letter of hardship providing supplemental information related to their current needs.

3.  Provide copies of supportive documentation (i.e. receipts, statements, account information, etc.) that may be required to process a payment to a third party.

4.  Provide contact information of a social worker familiar with the child’s case and family’s situation.  Families are asked to authorize a social worker to confirm general facts related to circumstances relevant to the application for assistance.

2.    How can my hospital/care center refer families in need to EKF?

Any social worker can refer families to EKF.  We would encourage a social worker to send us an email giving us a heads up regarding the referral.  In every case where financial assistance is rendered, social workers are consulted as to the actual state of affairs at the time a request is made.  We depend on social workers to verify a family’s situation.  Beyond that, referring families to EKF is a matter of helping a child’s parents or guardians complete the steps outlined in question 1 above.

3.    What services are available for families?

We generally offer short-term financial assistance to families of children with life-threatening heart conditions, particularly those in the midst of a heart related medical crisis or prolonged hospitalization.  We can help with a wide variety of dislocation expenses, as well as ongoing ‘at home’ expenses like mortgage/rent payments, utility payments, etc.  

We have also counseled parents on issues related to dealing with insurance companies and hospital/medical bills.

We offer emotional support to families in the thick of a medical crisis with their child.  We’ve been there.  We know what it’s like.  We’re willing to support them through a crisis, and walk with them through grief if things take a turn for the worse.  We’ve assembled a team of parents who have experienced similar storms with their children and can offer a unique perspective on the situation.  Most of this interaction is carried out via the internet.

We also offer spiritual support to parents and families as well.  Like you, we interact with families at a very stressful time in their lives.  Parents are often willing to engage in conversation about God in relation to the troubles they’re facing.  Because of their history with their own children, EKF ‘representatives’ are able to offer some unique perspectives to parents in the midst of their storm.  This is not always tangible, but it is very often the result of our interactions with parents in crisis.

4.    Is there a brochure or materials I can share with families?

Send us your contact information and we’ll send you more information as soon as possible.

5.    Can I speak to an EKF representative regarding programs?

Absolutely.  Let us know how to reach you and we’ll give you a call.

6.  What criteria must be met for families to qualify for assistance?

There can be wide variations in circumstances and needs amongst families.  Factors taken into consideration in awarding grants to families generally include but are not limited to the following:

  • A life-threatening heart condition must be a component of child’s health problems.
  • A prolonged hospitalization: greater than 3 weeks initially.  Days accumulate within a 12-month period.
  • In the midst of a medical crisis preferred but not an absolute requirement.
  • Typically behind on payments due to financial strain related to child’s condition.
  • Local or regional resources tapped or exhausted.
  • Limited help from extended family.
  • Few remaining alternatives for assistance.
  • Families particularly hard hit by child’s circumstances
  • No entitlements.  EKF reserves the right to evaluate and decline an application.
  • No medical expenses.  EKF will not get in the middle of hospitals/providers and insurance companies trying to settle a claim.
  • Payments made to third party whenever possible.
  • No minimum.
  • Average grant size ~ $1000.  Largest grant to date > $5000.  Amounts vary widely.  Need based.
  • No consumer debt payments