Elfi Breitsameter Stiftung - Förderung von Menschen mit Poliomyelitis und multipler Sklerose

What the Elfi Breitsameter Foundation covers

You will receive a grant of one-off payment for something you urgently need because of your illness. This could be a wheelchair or another aid, care staff, help with day-to-day tasks, medication or a minor measure that makes your daily life easier. There is no fixed amount. The foundation will cover the costs of your specific needs based on the quote or invoice you submit. Elfriede Breitsameter, who herself lived with the effects of polio, set up the foundation to help people who do not receive sufficient support from the state, health insurance providers or other organisations.

Who can apply

• Illness: You have polio (poliomyelitis), multiple sclerosis or a similar condition.
• Disability status: You hold a German severe-disability card (Schwerbehindertenausweis), and a doctor can confirm your condition, for example that you permanently depend on a wheelchair.
• Financial need: You are on a low income and have little or no savings, meaning you are unable to pay for the service yourself.
• Gaps in other support: The state, your health insurance provider or other bodies do not cover these costs, or do not do so in good time.
• Any background: Applicants from all fields of study and of all nationalities are welcome to apply. This is financial support for a specific expense, not a scholarship for your studies.

How to apply

Please complete the Foundation’s application form. On the form, you should state your income, your savings and the amount you require. Enclose a medical certificate, a copy of your disability card and the quote or invoice. For data protection reasons, you must send all documents by post and not by email. A decision is usually made within about two weeks.