Family Assistance Program FAQ

The Family Assistance Program opens each summer with awards chosen in the fall. Applications are currently closed, sign up for our newsletter and watch for our next program launch!

ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible to apply?
Any parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) or feeding difficulties who can demonstrate financial need may apply for financial assistance. Applicants must reside in the United States. Feeding Matters founders, directors, officers, staff, selection committee, council members, community advisors, substantial contributors, and their family members are not eligible to apply to eliminate bias. Past recipients of the Family Assistance Program are not eligible to apply a second time.

Can I apply if my child has not been diagnosed with PFD?
If your child has feeding difficulties and you have documentation from a healthcare professional, you can apply. Please note, while a diagnosis is not required, the application and FAQ uses PFD for the sake of simplicity.

Can I apply if my child has health insurance coverage?
Yes, you may apply even if your child has health insurance coverage. The application for assistance will ask you to list costs you expect to incur that directly relate to caring for a child with PFD and are not covered by your insurance provider. The assistance cannot be used to pay for expenses that are covered by your insurance provider, or as reimbursement for expenses paid prior to receiving assistance.

Is there an income requirement to apply?
No, however the percentage of Federal Poverty Level will be rated.

Can I submit for more than one child?
If you have more than one child with PFD, you may include both children in one application. You do not have to fill out a separate application for each child, however, you will need to include both children in all documentation (healthcare provider document; letter from family member, friend, caregiver or school personnel; personal statement; and spending plan).

Does the financial assistance have to be applied to a specific type of treatment?
No, however, the financial assistance must be used to pay for costs incurred that directly relate to caring for a child with PFD. Examples of expenses often incurred due to PFD and traditionally not covered by insurance include but are not limited to: medical or caregiving expenses such as feeding therapy, insurance copays for appointments related to PFD, appointments with a registered dietitian or clinical psychologist, feeding tube supplies, feeding programs, travel for treatment, special formulas, household items related to caring for a child with PFD (e.g., carpeting, feeding supplies, blenders, etc.), PFD education, or family counseling. Funds cannot be used as reimbursement for expenses paid prior to receiving assistance.

Can I apply again?
If you apply and are not awarded funds you may apply again in the future. There is no maximum number of times you can apply. However, past recipients are not eligible to apply to the Family Assistance Program a second time.

APPLICATION

What is the deadline for applying?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm ET on Friday, September 29, 2023.

What are the criteria being considered in the selection process?
The following criteria will be considered by the selection committee:

  • Applicant has submitted a complete application and has followed all instructions.
  • The extent of applicant’s demonstrated financial need and percentage of Federal Poverty Level.
  • The extent to which applicant’s spending plan lists expenses that directly relate to caring for a child with PFD that are not covered by insurance. Please be specific in your spending plan!
  • The physical and emotional effect caring for a child with PFD has had on the family as explained in your personal statement. The degree to which the expenses to be paid for using the Family Assistance Program funds will positively impact the child’s health as explained in the personal statement and any accompanying documentation from a family member, friend, caregiver, or school personnel.
  • The selection process will not be influenced or affected by the actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, age or sexual orientation of any applicant.

What will I need to provide with my application?
The following attachments will be requested in the Financial Assistance Program application:

  • Letter from a healthcare professional clinician documenting your child’s PFD or feeding difficulties. View template here.
  • Letter from family member, friend, caregiver, or school personnel. View template here.
  • Spending Plan. View template here.
  • Most current Federal Income Tax Return (first 2 pages with social security numbers removed).
  • Personal Statement. View template here.
  • Photo of child (optional but recommended).

What should be included in the personal statement?
Please include a statement of less than 350 words giving an overview of your child’s PFD and how long you have been struggling, explaining how your experience with PFD has affected your family, and the impact it would have on your child if you were awarded funds. Please note you will be required to provide a spending plan in addition to this personal statement. View the Personal Statement template here.

What should be included in the sample spending plan?
Your sample spending plan will be provided to the reviewing committee as an example of how the funds will be used. Please list specific items and the estimated or actual costs of each item. Reimbursement for items already purchased or covered by insurance will be excluded. View the Spending Plan template here.

When will I be notified if the award is offered to me?
Applicants will receive notification by email and the recipients will be notified by phone in October 2023.

When will the assistance checks be mailed?
Checks will be mailed to recipients following notification in November 2023.

What can the money awarded be used for?
We understand that there is a wide array of expenses that coincide with caring for a child with a PFD. The following is a suggested list of how the funds can be used.

  • Insurance copays for appointments related to PFD
  • Appointments with a registered dietitian
  • Appointments with a clinical psychologist
  • Feeding tube supplies
  • Travel for treatment
  • Special formulas
  • Evaluation and treatment
  • Household items (adaptive seating, feeding tools and supplies, blenders, etc.)
  • Furthering PFD or related education
  • Family counseling

 

Funds cannot be used as reimbursement for expenses paid prior to receiving assistance.

If awarded, What is required?
All recipients will be required to:

  • Share your child’s PFD story on Feeding Matters Website, which may be shared on social media. View the PFD Story submission form to see what is involved. Sharing your story raises awareness of PFD and feeding difficulties and is encouraged for all applicants.
  • Provide a complete spending plan documents how the funds were used.

 

Who selects the recipients?
The Financial Assistance Program committee will be in charge of selecting the recipients based on the predetermined selection criteria.

How is the family assistance program funded?
Feeding Matters is a non-profit organization. The Family Assistance Program is provided through generous private donations. If you or someone you know is interested in contributing to the mission of Feeding Matters, please visit our donation page.

Whom should I contact with questions about Feeding Matters, the Family Assistance Program, my application, and/or technical difficulties?
Please contact the Feeding Matters office at (800) 233-4658 x303 or programs@feedingmatters.org.