The Application Process

Parents/Guardians

CAN I APPLY?

A person can access a grant where he/she meets all the following criteria:

1.       Is a citizen of Trinidad & Tobago and is ordinarily resident in Trinidad & Tobago.

2.       Is unmarried and under the age of eighteen years at the time of the application.

3.       Has been referred by a medical specialist in the field of treatment required.

4.       Requires treatment that is unavailable at a local medical institution.

5.       Requires a lifesaving procedure.

6.       Has medical expenses that exceed twenty-five percent of the income of his/her family.

APPLYING FOR FUNDING

Collect the application form from the CLFA office at the Wendy Fitzwilliam Paediatric Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Complex, Trinidad & Tobago or download it from our website www.childrenslifefund.org.tt.

Submit the signed and completed form and all relevant documents.

The Life Unit coordinates a clinical and financial assessment, and a recommendation is submitted, through the Chief Executive Officer to the Board for review.

Once a decision is made you will be informed.

If the application is approved the CLFA makes the relevant travel arrangements which include:

·       Applying for the VISA for the child
and 1 parent/guardian,

·       Booking the necessary flights

·       Booking the accommodation

The CLFA makes the payment arrangements for treatment directly to the medical
institution.

The patient is monitored and evaluated during treatment while abroad.

Upon return the parent/legal guardian meets with a representative from CLFA to provide feedback.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

·       A person cannot receive more than one grant for the same medical condition within a two-year period unless there is an exceptional circumstance.

·       The maximum value of the grant shall not exceed one million Trinidad and Tobago dollars.

APPLICATION DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Please ensure you have the following documents to begin the application process:

  • Application Form (This will be filled out at our Office)
  • Authorization to Use and/or Disclose of Health Information form. (This will be filled out at our Office)
  • If married, proof of marriage.
  • Signed blank claim form from insurance company.
  • Copy of Child’s Birth Certificate
  • Copy of Parents’ ID/DP/PP
  • Copy of Applicant’s ID/DP/PP (if different from parent)
  • Copy of Passports, Visas
  • Copy of court document if applicant ‘Legal Guardian’
  • Copy of documents to suppot monthly income e.g. Payslips and job letters, proof of  Government grants etc.
  • Job letters must include whether medical insurance is provided by the employer, who is the insurance provider, whether coverage is individual or family, which members of the family are insured, and what are the limits/coverage for major medical.
  • Copy of Bank/Saving Accounts Statements
  • Copy of documents to support monthly expenses e.g. Loan statements, Rent receipts, Utility bills etc.
  • Statement of Insurance Coverage from insurers, “if child is covered”.
  • Copy of receipts of all sources of revenue received or pending to address the medical expenses.
  • Medical Social Worker’s Report
  • Detailed Medical Report from Referring Specialist

Documents can also be submitted via email and the originals can be submitted for verification on your visit to CLFA’s office.

Please feel free to contact our office @ 225-4673 Ext: 3321 or 3327, should you require additional information.

Enquiry Form

Application Form

For Doctors

HELPING YOUR PATIENTS ACCESS GRANT FUNDING.

WHAT IS THE CHILDREN’S LIFE FUND

The Children’s Life Fund is a charitable fund that was established by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in November 2010 by Act of Parliament – Act No. 12 of 2010.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE GRANT?

A person can access a grant where he/she meets all the following criteria:

  1. Is a citizen of Trinidad & Tobago and is ordinarily resident in Trinidad & Tobago.
  2. Is unmarried and under the age of eighteen years at the time of the application.
  3. Has been referred by a medical specialist in the field of treatment required.
  4. Requires treatment that is unavailable at a local medical institution.
  5. Requires a lifesaving procedure.
  6. Has medical expenses that exceed twenty-five percent of the income of his/her family.

The maximum value of the grant shall NOT exceed one million Trinidad and Tobago dollars.

A person cannot receive more than one grant for the same medical condition within a two-year period unless there is an exceptional circumstance.

THE MEDICAL SPECIALIST’S ROLE IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications to the Children’s Life Fund MUST be accompanied by a medical report from a referring medical specialist. The medical specialist also submits any images and clinical records that may be applicable for the clinical assessment of an application.

Further to this, the medical specialist is involved throughout the case management process by providing:

  • Feedback for questions related to clinical management which may be submitted by the CLFA or the approved international hospitals.
  • ‘Fit to fly’ medical assessments.
  • Support for clinical case conferences.

Medical specialists are key partners who provide support for the CLFA’s process case management process.

THE AUTHORITY’S ROLE IN PROCESSING & ADMINISTERING GRANTS

The Children’s Life Fund Authority (CLFA) is the body bestowed with the responsibility to operate, manage, and administer the Children’s Life Fund.

The CLFA ensures that all eligible applicants to the fund are carefully considered by a team of highly qualified Specialist Doctors and Medical Social Workers to ensure that the “Best Care Plan” is determined and carefully executed.

THE GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants can collect the application form from the CLFA’s office at the Wendy Fitzwilliam Paediatric Hospital, Eric Williams Medical Complex, Trinidad & Tobago or download it from our website:  www.childrenslifefund.org.tt.

Completed forms must be signed and submitted along with all the relevant documents.

The Life Unit coordinates a clinical and financial assessment, and a recommendation is submitted for review.

Once a decision is made the applicant is informed.

If the application is approved the CLFA makes the relevant travel arrangements which include:

1.       Applying for the VISA for the child and 1 parent/guardian,

2.       Booking the necessary flights

3.       Booking the accommodation

The CLFA makes the payment arrangements for treatment directly to the medical institution.

The patient is monitored and evaluated during treatment while abroad.

Upon return the parent/legal guardian meets with a representative from CLFA to provide feedback.