Guidelines for Financial Assistance

Eligibility Criteria

1. Age Requirement

• Infants must be under twelve (12) months of age at the time of hospitalization.
• Infants must be less than eighteen (18) months of age at the time of application for financial assistance.

2. Clinical Criteria

• Confirmed diagnosis of a congenital heart defect requiring hospital-based care or surgical intervention, such as, but not limited to:
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
  • Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
  • Ventricular or Atrial Septal Defect (VSD/ASD)
  • Pulmonary Atresia or Stenosis
  • Coarctation of the Aorta
  • Single Ventricle Physiology
  • Additional conditions may be covered after a Clinical Review Committee evaluation
• The infant must be admitted to a hospital, NICU/PICU/ICU for management, surgery, or complications related to the defect.
• Verification of diagnosis and hospitalization must be provided by a treating physician, cardiologist, or hospital social worker.

3. Financial Criteria

• Families must demonstrate financial hardship related to the infant’s hospitalization.
  • Examples include loss of income, travel costs, lodging near hospital, or uncovered incidental expenses.
• A brief statement of your need or a referral letter from a social worker, case manager, or medical provider.

Award Parameters

1. Allowable Uses

Funds are designated for non-medical expenses directly associated with hospitalization, such as:

• Transportation (fuel, tolls, parking, airfare, train, or bus fare).
• Lodging (hotel, Ronald McDonald House, short-term accommodations near hospital).
• Meals while the infant is hospitalized.
• Childcare for siblings during hospitalization.
• Other approved family support expenses as determined by the Foundation.

2. Award Threshold

• Maximum award: up to $2,500 per family per hospitalization stay.
• Typical range: $750-$1,500 based on verified need and fund availability.

3. Frequency of Assistance

• Families may apply once per hospitalization or twice within a twelve (12) month period for prolonged or repeated admissions.

Application & Review Process

1. Families complete the Little Lions, Big Hearts Assistance Application within six (6) months of the initial hospitalization and attach required documentation:
   • Verification of diagnosis and hospitalization
   • Statement of need or letter from social worker/case manager
   • Copies of receipts or estimates (if requested)
2. Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Clinical Review Committee on a rolling basis.
3. Applicants are notified of the decision within ten (10) business days of submission.

Exclusions

Assistance should not be used for:

• Direct payment of medical or hospital bills
• Routine outpatient visits or follow-up care
• Household expenses (rent, utilities, phone, etc.) not directly related to hospitalization
• Non-CHD hospitalizations

Frequently Asked Questions