Financial Assistance
About the POGO Financial Assistance Program
The POGO Financial Assistance Program provides financial relief to families of children with cancer by reimbursing families for some of the costs they incur as a result of their child’s cancer treatment. POGO is responsible for the administration of this program, with 100% of the funding coming from donor dollars and fundraising efforts.
Families receive funds for food, childcare support (for siblings under 12), and accommodations when family is required to travel for treatment.
Since 2003, the POGO Financial Assistance Program has supported over 8,400 families.
Between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, the POGO Financial Assistance Program supported over 780 families with more than $650,000 for out-of-pocket expenses.
Eligibility
Your family is eligible for the POGO Financial Assistance Program if you meet the following criteria:
- Your child been diagnosed with cancer?
- Your child in active treatment (the period when a patient is undergoing therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments, to actively remove or slow down cancer)
- Was your child diagnosed with cancer before their 18th birthday (and are they under the age of 19)
- You and your child reside in Ontario?
- Your child have a valid OHIP Number?
If you meet all the criteria, please contact your Social Worker, POGO Interlink Nurse, or Resource Navigator to register.
Other Eligibility Information
- We will not ask you for your income or any notice of assessments to determine if you are eligible. We do not check financial status for this program.
- Once your child is 19 years of age, you are no longer eligible for the POGO Financial Assistance Program.
When registering for the POGO Financial Assistance Program we collect and retain your patient/family/client information in the POGO Financial Assistance Program Database. Learn more about how we protect and use your data.
What Expenses are Eligible to be Reimbursed?
Families are eligible to claim for both in-patient food and outpatient food expenses.
- $7.50/day when your child is receiving outpatient treatment (4 hours minimum including travel time) (clinic visits, satellite visits, day treatment)
- $15/day when your child is receiving inpatient treatment (your child is admitted to the hospital)
Families are eligible to claim for accommodation costs in cases where the family must travel for treatment. Reimbursement rates are as follows:
- $10/night for a stay at Ronald McDonald House
- $20/night for a stay at a hotel or Airbnb (when Ronald McDonald House is not available to you)
Families are eligible to claim for childcare for siblings under 12 years of age. Families may claim:
- Maximum of 120 hours of childcare expenses per yea
- The year starts from the date of the first childcare claim.
- $8.00/hour
If you have any questions about the above information, please speak with your POGO Interlink Nurse, Social Worker, or Resource Navigator.
Once Registered, How Do I Receive Financial Assistance?
As part of the registration process, your direct deposit information (or alternative method of payment would have been provided). Once expenses have been incurred for, please submit completed claims form to your Social Worker, POGO Interlink Nurse, or Resource Navigator at your main treatment hospital.
Claims are processed at the end of every month, and you’ll receive your payment via direct deposit. You’ll be notified of the payment by email. Payments are usually deposited on the first Friday of every month. If the first Friday is a holiday, the payment will be delayed by one week.
Please note that claims forms more than three months old cannot be processed.
Are There Any Other Financial Assistance Programs That Can Help My Family?
There are several programs available that offer financial assistance to families of children with cancer. For more information on these resources, please reach out to your POGO Interlink Nurse, Social Worker, or Resource Navigator. They can provide you with detailed guidance and support.
For information on how the POGO Financial Assistance Program can help you, please contact:
Kirsten Efremov
Program Coordinator, Clinical and Support Programs
Email: POGO Financial Assistance Program
YOU can be a champion for kids with cancer!
With your help, we will ensure that kids and youth with cancer, their families and survivors of childhood cancer have equitable access to the best care for the best possible outcomes.