Catastrophic Illness Fund Summary

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

What does the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (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.
  • 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
    • No deadline or statute of limitations to submit for past expenses
    • May reapply every 12 months

Examples of types of expenses reimbursed (not inclusive):

  • Doctor appointments
  • Medicine
  • Therapies
  • Hospitalizations
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Home modifications
  • Transportation
  • Medical Supplies
  • Lab Costs
  • Hotel for out of state medical visits
  • Home health care
  • Modified vehicle

Types of not reimbursed (not inclusive)

  • Expenses related to education
  • Modifications to rentals or vacation homes

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 reimbursed
  • Some categories have reimbursement limits
How to apply:

Online: njcatastrophicfund.dhs.state.nj.us/cicrf/

(Can apply but will need to mail in supporting documentation)

Call 1-800-335-FUND (3863) for information

For more detailed information, please refer to the Catastrophic Illness Fund Full Length page