Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund What does the Fund do: Provides reimbursement of expenses not covered by insurance, state or federal programs or other sources to New Jersey families whose children have a catastrophic illness or condition. What is a Catastrophic Illness or Condition: catastrophic refers to the expenses, not the severity of the illness or condition condition may be acute or chronic Key Fact: The family must generally pay the expenses first and then The Fund reimburses the expenses. Eligibility: Child must be under 22 at time medical expenses were incurred Eligible expenses must exceed 10% of family’s gross income, plus 15% of any excess income over $100,000 in any prior 12 month consecutive period. can be a calendar year or any 12 month period but must begin at the beginning of a month. No deadline or statute of limitations to submit for past expenses May reapply every 12 months You cannot combine children’s expenses. Each child’s expenses must be applied for separately and satisfy the eligibility rules. Limit per application of $100,000
Other relevant rules May not combine multiple children’s expenses Total application each year cannot exceed $100,000 Insurance premiums may be counted as an expense to help with eligibility but will not be reimburse Some categories have reimbursement limits
Documents to submit with application Tax form and/or pay Divorced applicants Copy of divorce decree Child support documents Custody agreements Proof of medical bills and expenses Copy of child’s insurance card (front/back) Proof of payments (credit card/canceled check/bank statements) Explanation of Benefits (both sides) Proof of any fundraising. The Fund will not reimburse the portion of the expense that is covered by any fundraising. Child’s birth certificate Proof parents are permanent, legal residents of NJ -birth certificate/passport/green card Special Needs Trusts If the child has money in a special needs trust that would allow for the money to be used to pay for the expense, then that money must be used. TimeFrame Applicants should receive an email within 2 weeks and get a call to verify receipt and do a review. There may be a request for additional documentation. It can take several months to review. Once a decision is reached, applicants will receive a letter shortly. Checks are generally issued soon after receipt of the letter.
