Tax and finance questions about grants

Is TotalAssist free? Do I have to pay it back?  

Patient Advocate Foundation is a charity and nonprofit organization. Our TotalAssist program, and our other direct patient services, such as case management, are free. TotalAssist grants are not loans and therefore do not need to be paid back. Our grants are charitable financial assistance for eligible patients. Individuals must meet our eligibility criteria, and approved applicants receive the benefit of our program at no cost.   

Will applying affect my credit score? What if my credit is currently frozen?

No. TotalAssist does not perform a credit check on applicants. If your credit has been frozen, there is no need to take any action.

Will I have to pay taxes on my TotalAssist grant? Will it impact my government benefits?

As a charity, Patient Advocate Foundation is exempt from federal income tax. Individuals who receive assistance from a charity to meet their personal needs do not generally have to pay federal income tax on the value of the assistance they receive. Therefore, it should not affect your ability to receive financial assistance from the government or affect your income taxes. This should not be considered tax advice, and we recommend you consult with a tax and/or benefits expert to confirm your situation. 

Related articles

• TotalAssist program overview
• Eligibility requirements
• Claims and expenses