Living with multiple sclerosis can bring costs that go far beyond doctor visits. Mobility equipment, home care, transportation and even keeping the utilities on during a difficult stretch can put additional pressure on a household budget.
MS Focus, also known as the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, offers several grants and assistance programs designed specifically to help people living with MS.
Emergency Assistance Program
The Emergency Assistance Program can help when you’re facing an urgent financial situation, such as a final notice for eviction or utility disconnection.
Eligible assistance can include:
- Rent
- Water and sewer
- Electric
- Gas
- Heating oil or coal
- Phone service
- Disaster relief for FEMA-recognized events
The program does not cover mortgage payments. Medication copay assistance is also currently suspended due to limited funding.
MS Focus considers emergency assistance requests of up to $400. Requests above $400 aren’t considered.
You’ll need documentation confirming your MS diagnosis. This can be a doctor’s letter or qualifying diagnosis documentation already on file with MS Focus from within the past two years.
You’ll also need to provide your final eviction or disconnection notice and authorize MS Focus to contact the creditor directly.
This is a one-time assistance program, so recipients can’t receive another Emergency Assistance award later.
Healthcare Assistance Grant
If you’re uninsured and living with MS, the Healthcare Assistance Grant can help you access medical and dental care.
The program can cover:
- One visit with your treating MS specialist
- One follow-up visit
- Dental assistance
MS Focus pays the healthcare provider directly rather than reimbursing you for expenses you’ve already paid.
The application asks for information including your state of residence, MS diagnosis date, current symptoms, insurance and employment status, and monthly income and expenses.
Homecare Assistance Grant
The Homecare Assistance Grant helps people with MS access support at home.
Depending on your needs, assistance may include:
- Homecare services
- Caregiver respite
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
This can be especially helpful when MS symptoms make everyday tasks more difficult or when a family caregiver needs additional support.
Assistive Technology Program
The Assistive Technology Program helps people with MS obtain equipment and devices that can make everyday activities safer or more manageable.
Assistance can include mobility aids and other adaptive technology designed to address challenges caused by MS.
Examples of equipment supported through the program can range from canes to voice-recognition software, depending on the applicant’s individual needs.
Computer Program
MS Focus also provides computers to eligible people with MS who have limited financial resources.
The program can provide laptop or desktop computers, helping recipients access online information, services and resources.
Applicants are asked to explain why they need a computer and provide information about their financial circumstances.
Transportation Assistance Grant
The Transportation Assistance Grant helps people with MS get to important MS-related medical care.
MS Focus provides transportation through Uber and Lyft for eligible trips to and from:
- Neurology appointments
- Infusion centers
- MS centers
This program is specifically focused on transportation for MS-related healthcare rather than general transportation for work or everyday errands.
How to Get Started
Because each MS Focus program has different requirements and application processes, one of the easiest ways to get started is to contact the organization directly.
Call the National Toll-Free Helpline at 888-MSFOCUS (888-673-6287) or email support@msfocus.org.
MS Focus can help you identify which programs may fit your situation and explain what documentation you’ll need to apply.
Relief Recap
MS Focus offers several different forms of assistance for people living with multiple sclerosis, including help with emergency rent and utility bills, healthcare, homecare, assistive technology, computers and transportation to MS-related medical appointments.
The Emergency Assistance Program can consider requests of up to $400, while the other programs provide specific services, equipment or assistance based on individual needs and program requirements.
If housing costs are your biggest concern right now, our hardship grants roundup has more resources worth checking.
