Cancer treatment can be expensive.
Cancer treatment can cause financial strain. There may be resources available to help navigate your insurance and other costs from your cancer care. Ask your care team to connect you with a social worker to learn more about appropriate resources. Social workers may have access to food delivery programs, financial planners, or help you understand available benefits.
Here are some general tips that may be helpful:
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Think about who will manage finances during treatment. If you normally manage finances but do not want to during treatment, think about if you want to find a trusted loved one who can share the job during treatment.
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Gather banking documents. Understand what bills need to be paid regularly, and when those bills are due. Set up a system to track when money is coming in and when money goes out.
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Keep insurance papers and bills organized. You will be getting a lot of papers, including claim forms, itemized statements, and billing statements. Keep them organized and sort them as best as you can. Understand an explanation of benefits, a bill, and how they differ.
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Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your trusted loved ones and don’t hesitate to ask for help from your care team. You can seek legal or financial planning advice as needed.
DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) resources
Trusted resources for more tips
Click here for more resources from the American Cancer Society.
Navigating the Cost of Cancer Care - Financial Health Planning
DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) resources
Below are some local resources that may be helpful to you if you need food, transportation, housing, utilities, or emotional support. Last updated February 2026.
For assistance with navigating benefits and accessing community support services:
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Contact Leadership Council for Healthy Communities for support navigating services at 202-248-5083.
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Check with your health insurance, as most plans offer benefits like navigation services.
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Contact United Way Financial Empowerment Centers at 211 or 202-488-2000 for support.
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Food
Bread for the City
Service: Grocery pick-up once per month per household. Food pantries are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free farmers markets are offered on Fridays (every 2nd and 4th Friday at SE location, and 1st and 3rd Friday at NW location) Other services include employment services, financial support, legal services, and clothing.
Eligibility: Must be a DC resident. Must bring a form of identification and proof of household size. Groceries for a household of two will be given if no proof of household size is provided.
Locations: Southeast Center located at 1700 Marion Barry Ave SE, DC 20020 and Northwest Center located at 1525 7th St NW, DC 20001
Phone: 202-265-2400
Email: info@breadforthecity.org
Website: breadforthecity.org/foodCapital Area Food Bank
Service: Provides free food at a variety of locations across DC, MD, and VA. Seniors are eligible for specific monthly grocery programs – see website for more information.
Phone: 202-644-9800 | Website: www.capitalareafoodbank.org
DC Office of Aging Nutrition Program
Service: Delivers prepared meals. The office also offers nutrition counseling and community dining. Other services include benefits navigation, health support, and legal services.
Eligibility: DC residents aged 60+ and adults with disabilities are eligible.
Phone: 202-724-5626
Email: dacl@dc.gov
Website: dacl.dc.gov/service/nutritionProduce Plus Benefits Program
Service: Provides fresh fruits and vegetables at various pick-up locations in DC for those who are approved for a produce plus card; program runs from June-November yearly.
Eligibility: Available for individuals who have been approved for a Produce Plus card. DC residents who qualify for at least one government assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, etc. are eligible for the card.
Phone: 202-888-4834
Email: produceplus@freshfarm.org
Website: dchealth.dc.gov/service/produce-plus-programSouth Eats
Service: Offers a weekly menu to purchase low-cost pre-prepared meals. Provides meals weekly/bi-weekly/monthly.
Eligibility: Services the Mayfair-Kenilworth-Parkside neighborhood.
Email: info@southeatscoop.com
Website: www.southeatscoop.com -
Transportation
Metro Access
Service: Shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit service that provides low-cost transportation.
Eligibility: Available for people who are unable to use public transit due to disability.
Phone: 202-962-2700
Website: www.wmata.com/service/accessibility/metro-accessSenior MedExpress
Service: Free round-trip transportation to essential medical appointments or health-related public benefits appointments.
Eligibility: DC residents who are 60+ years old requiring essential life-sustaining appointments are eligible. Medicaid clients are not eligible.
Phone: 202-724-5626
Website: dcyellowcab.com/senior-medexpress -
Housing
DC Department of Human Services
Service: Provides emergency shelter, emergency rental assistance, homelessness prevention, and permanent supportive housing services. Other services include navigation benefits.
Eligibility: Eligibility varies depending on the program.
Phone: 202-671-4200
Website: dhs.dc.gov/page/homeless-services-housingDC Housing Authority
Service: Provides quality affordable housing, as available.
Eligibility: Extremely low-through moderate-income households are eligible.
Phone: 202-535-1000
Website: www.dchousing.orgHousing Counseling Services, Inc.
Service: Various housing programs including rental assistance, tenant services, and Home Purchase Assistance Programs (HPAP).
Eligibility: Requirements vary by program – generally for low to medium income households.
Phone: 202-667-7606
Email: info@housingetc.org
Website: housingetc.orgFriendship Place
Service: Short-term housing, long-term housing, veteran services, and employment services. Other services include food support, benefits navigation, mental health support, employment services, clothing, and phone usage.
Eligibility: Services are provided in DC.
Location: Drop-in Welcome Center located at 4713 Wisconsin Ave NW, DC 20016
Phone: 202-364-1419
Email: info@friendshipplace.org
Website: friendshipplace.org -
Utilities
DC Utility Affordability Program
Service: Financial assistance, discounts, and energy efficiency programs to help with utility bills.
Eligibility: Must provide ID of applicant, and social security cards, proof of income, and utility bills for the household.
Phone: 311 or 202-737-4404
Email: doee@dc.gov
Website: doee.dc.gov/energyassistanceGreater Washington Urban League
Service: Helps families pay their water bills during times of financial crisis.
Eligibility: Must meet income requirements and have outstanding bills.
Phone: 202-792-2554
Email: uintake@gwul.org
Website: gwul.orgFor in-person appointments: Contact 202-450-2449 or khernandez@gwul.org.
The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
Service: Provides bill assistance to low-income households.
Eligibility: Must be a Maryland resident. Eligibility varies by program and is based on need, household size, and income.
Phone: 800-332-6347
Website: dhs.maryland.gov -
Emotional support
Cancer Support Community DC
Service: Offers a variety of virtual programs including support groups, healthy lifestyle activities, and mindfulness programs. Other services include patient navigation and education.Eligibility: Programs are available to cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones.Phone: 202-659-9709 (Ext. 6792)
Email: info@cancersupportdc.org
Website: www.cancersupportdc.orgHope Connections
Service: Support groups, mind/body classes and educational and social programs. Their programs are offered both in person and online.
Eligibility: Programs are available to those who are affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Locations: Bethesda Facility located at 10100 Laureate Way, Bethesda MD 20814 and Prince George’s County Facility located at 8201 Corporate Drive Ste 605, Landover, MD 20785
Phone: 301-634-7500
Email: info@hopeconnectionsforcancer.org
Website: hopeconnectionsforcancer.orgSmith Center for Healing and the Arts
Service: Retreats and programs - yoga and stress reduction, creative expression, nutrition classes, and educational talks and support groups. Other services include patient navigation.
Eligibility: Programs are available to adults living with cancer and their caregivers.
Location: 1632 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-483-8600
Email: info@smithcenter.org
Website: smithcenter.org
Baltimore resources
Below are some local resources that may be helpful to you if you need food, transportation, housing, utilities, or emotional support. Last updated in March, 2026.
For all needs:
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Call 211 to access Maryland Access Point (MAP), which serves as the entry point for obtaining information, referrals and options counseling for seniors, adults with disabilities, their families, caregivers and professionals.
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The Baltimore County MAP phone number is 410-887-2594. Calls are answered by a team of Certified Information and Assistance Specialists (CIRS), Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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If you are seeking services in other counties in Maryland, you may contact the Maryland MAP by calling 844-627-5465. The Maryland MAP website offers information about health and support services for older Marylanders and persons with disabilities.
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Contact the Department of Social Services in your county or apply online. You can apply for SNAP, Cash Assistance, Energy Assistance, and Temporary Disability all from the same website. https://benefits.maryland.gov
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Food
Beans and Bread
Service: Breakfast and lunch and a food pick-up program. Breakfast is served from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday, and lunch is served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call to request food pick-up for your household. They also have a housing navigator.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Baltimore
Location: 400 S. Bond St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Phone: 410-732-1892
Email: info@vincentbaltimore.org
Website: vincentbaltimore.org/what-we-do-homelessness/beans-and-breadCatholic Charities
Service: Breakfast is served every weekday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Lunch is served daily from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Other services include legal services, health care, employment opportunities, and government benefits.
Eligibility: Breakfast is only available for senior citizens individuals with special needs. Lunch is for everyone.
Location: 725 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 667-600-3400
Email: info@cc-md.org
Website: cc-md.orgGEDCO’s CARES
Service: Food pantry on Mondays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 11a.m. and Saturdays 10a.m. to 12 p.m. Other services include financial assistance and employment services.
Eligibility: For residents of zipcodes 21210, 21212, 21218, and 21239.
Location: 401 Woodbourne Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212
Phone: 410-433-2442
Website: gedco.orgThe Franciscan Center
Service: Hot lunches and Monday through Friday and dinner on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Emergency food pantry provides food boxes.
Eligibility: Income requirements for food boxes. Hot lunches and dinners are for everyone.
Location: 101 W 23rd St, Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: 410-467-5340
Website: www.fcbmore.orgNew Life Food Pantry
Service: Food pantry and fresh produce delivery in the Baltimore area. The food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 2401 East North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21213
Phone: 443-800-0213
Email: info@newlifepantry.org
Website: newlifepantry.coPaul’s Place
Service: Meals Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Other services include clothing, financial assistance, health services, and housing navigation.
Location: 1118 Ward St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: 410-625-0775
Email: admin@paulsplaceoutreach.org
Website: paulsplaceoutreach.orgThe Maryland Food Bank
Service: Provides a comprehensive listing of Food Pantries in Maryland which is searchable by Zip Code
Website: mdfoodbank.org/find-food/
Moveable Feast
Service: Provides food to Marylanders in the Baltimore Metro area experiencing food insecurity and chronic illness by delivering groceries and meals. (There may be a wait time before services start).
Location: 901 N. Milton Ave Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: 410-327-3420
Website: www.mfeast.org -
Transportation
Baltimore County’s CountyRide
Service: Specialized transportation services for general purpose trips.
Eligibility: For senior citizens (60+) or persons with disabilities. Must be a resident of Baltimore County.
Phone: 410-887-2080
Email: trafficeng@baltimorecountymd.gov
Website: baltimorecountymd.govMedical Assistance Transportation Program
Service: Assistance with transportation to medical appointments.
Eligibility: For Medical Assistance (MA) recipients who live in Baltimore County.
Phone: 410-887-2828
Email: communityhealthservices@baltimorecountymd.gov
Website: baltimorecountymd.govMTA Mobility
Service: A specialized transit service available to people who are unable to get to a bus stop, wait unassisted at a stop or board a bus or train independently. Rides are provided from curb to curb. The Call a Ride program through MTA Mobility provides low-cost taxi rides for people who qualify for mobility services.
Eligibility: service applicants must have an impairment that prevents them independently accessing, boarding, disembarking or riding other MTA services.
Phone: 410-539-5000
Website: www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility -
Housing
Maryland Department of Social Services
Service: Help with eviction prevention
Phone: 410-887-8463Community Assistance Network (CAN)
Service: Shelter, permanent supportive housing services, and emergency rental assistance.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Baltimore County and receive a referral from the Department of Social Services; Call 410-887-8463 to get help.
Phone: 410-285-4674
Email: info@canconnects.org
Website: canconnects.orgHousing Choice Voucher Program
Service: Helps low-income families pay rent. You may apply for the waitlist on their website. Eligibility: Income eligibility requirements.Phone: 410-887-2766
Email: hcvinfo@baltimorecountymd.gov
Website: baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/housing/housing-programsManna House
Service: Day shelter and case management services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Services include housing assistance, job readiness/search, help with applying for SSI, health care and substance abuse services.
Location: 435 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218Phone: 410-889-3001
Email: pfeick@mannahouseinc.org
Website: mannahouseinc.org -
Utilities
Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC)
Service: Emergency cash assistance to families who need emergency help paying rent or utilities or for other emergencies. Applicants can apply at local department of social services or file an application by mail. There is also a contact form for more information on their website.
Eligibility: Families with one or more children under 21 living with them must present an eviction notice from the utility company showing that services have been or will be cut off or other proof of an emergency.
Phone: 800-332-6347
Website: dhs.maryland.govGEDCO’s CARES
Service: Helps people who cannot afford to pay their heating bills or have had their service turned off. Clients can come in person on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Eligibility: For residents of zip codes 21210, 21212, 21218, and 21239.
Location: 401 Woodbourne Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212
Phone: 443-470-6741 or 443-470-6545
Website: gedco.orgMaryland Energy and Water Assistance Programs
Service: Assistance with heating, electric, and gas bills. Apply on their website or request a paper application by calling.
Eligibility: Income eligibility requirements.
Phone: 800-332-6347
Website: dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs -
Emotional support
Baltimore Cancer Support Group
Service: Cancer peer support, Thursday evenings 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 7910 Belair Rd, Baltimore, MD 21236
Phone: 410-668-1762
Catholic Charities
Service: Villa Maria Behavior Health Clinics provide behavioral health services including counseling, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management.
Eligibility: Residents of Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Harford, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Must have Medicaid or Medicare.
Phone: 667-600-2000
Email: info@cc-md.org
Website: cc-md.orgHopewell Cancer Support
Service: Virtual and in-person cancer peer support
Phone: 410-832-2719
Email: info@hopewellcancersupport.org
Website: hopewellcancersupport.orgImerman’s Angels
Service: Receive a peer mentor who faced a similar cancer diagnosis for support
Phone: 866-463-7626
Website: www.imermanangels.orgPaul’s Place
Service: Peer recovery advocate who provides counselling and nurses who help with referrals, transportation, making appointments, and medication questions and management.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of zipcode 21230 or 21223.
Location: 1118 Ward Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: 410-625-0775
Email: admin@paulsplaceoutreach.org
Website: paulsplaceoutreach.org