Who qualifies

Resident of San Francisco County
(BCEF helps anyone regardless of age or gender)

Current breast cancer diagnosis ie, in active treatment. Monthly income of $1960 or less per individual after taxes.

What do you pay for?

BCEF pays housing (rent, mortgages or SRO hotels); essential utilities (excluding cable), uninsured medical expenses including insurance premiums, over-the-counter items related to breast cancer treatment, pharmacy bills, dental, optical, alternative or complementary care; and pre-paid funerals.

We welcome your questions so if you’re not sure if we your bill qualifies for BCEF payment, give us a call (415) 558-6999 x 8.

Do I need to make an appointment?

No. BCEF welcomes drop-ins but we are always happy to schedule an appointment ahead of time so that you can avoid waiting.

What do I need to bring with me to apply?

Please bring:

1) any picture ID
2) current doctor’s diagnosis or medical record that clearly indicates diagnosis
3) current verification of income such as SSI award letter or bank statement
4) the bill you need paid

I need help paying my rent but I don’t have a “bill” for rent. What can I give you instead?

We will accept several different documents:

If your name appears on the lease, a copy of your lease or rental agreement that shows your landlord’s name and address.

If your name is not on the lease, we need (1) the master tenants lease with (2) a note from the renter stating your share of the rent.

If you share the same premises as the owner, we need (1) proof of ownership (a copy of property tax statement, mortgage coupon or deed) and (2) a lease or note between you stating your rent.

Can you just give the money to me?

Unfortunately, no. BCEF only writes checks directly to vendors to insure that the money is applied to rent, utilities or medical expenses and if we paid you directly, you would have to report our funds as “income” which could impact your public benefits.

My family member has loaned me money to help me with my bills. Can you pay them back?

No. But if you share a household with that family member, we can pay your portion of the rent and shared utilities.

I’ve completed by surgery/chemotherapy/ radiation and have begun a hormone regimen. Do I still qualify?

Yes. Any current form of medical treatment for breast cancer (pre or post surgery) qualifies you. So long as your doctor can provide BCEF with a letter of diagnosis which states that you are actively in treatment for breast cancer, you are eligible.

I have decided to treat my breast cancer with alternative medicines. Do I still qualify?

Yes. We do still require proof of current diagnosis from a qualified physician but BCEF does not restrict our funds according to your choice of treatment.

I do not speak English. Can you still help me?

Absolutely! We are happy to provide professional interpreter services free of cost. All of our materials are available in a multilingual format. Or you are welcome to contact one of our bilingual Community Partners for assistance.

I’ve already used my annual grant this year but am facing another financial crisis. What do I do now?

CALL US! We can’t guarantee additional funds but our mission is to help when you need it most. We will require proof that the emergency is imminent: a 15-day or utility shutoff notice; an past due or eviction notice but we will try to work with you to insure that you can concentrate on your health and family instead of finances.