Annual Surgery Access Fund

The Annual Surgery Access Fund is our flagship program, designed to provide substantial financial assistance to transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming surgical procedures. We understand that these surgeries are often essential for mental health and overall well-being, yet remain financially out of reach for many.

Our fund was established by LGBTQ+ community members and transgender individuals who understand firsthand the barriers to accessing gender-affirming care. We are committed to making these life-changing procedures accessible to those who need them most.

Funding is provided through generous donations from individuals, organizations, and community partners who share our vision of healthcare equity. All funds go directly to supporting recipients' surgical procedures through payments to verified healthcare providers.

We recognize that every individual's journey is unique. Our program is designed to be inclusive and supportive, meeting applicants where they are in their transition process.

About The Program

The Annual Surgery Access Fund is our flagship program, designed to provide substantial financial assistance to transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming surgical procedures. We understand that these surgeries are often essential for mental health and overall well-being, yet remain financially out of reach for many.

Our fund was established by LGBTQ+ community members and transgender individuals who understand firsthand the barriers to accessing gender-affirming care. We are committed to making these life-changing procedures accessible to those who need them most.

Funding is provided through generous donations from individuals, organizations, and community partners who share our vision of healthcare equity. All funds go directly to supporting recipients' surgical procedures through payments to verified healthcare providers.

We recognize that every individual's journey is unique. Our program is designed to be inclusive and supportive, meeting applicants where they are in their transition process.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.

U.S. Residency

Must be a current resident of the United States with valid documentation.

Financial Need

Demonstrated financial need through income verification and assessment. We consider total household income, assets, and existing financial obligations.

Medical Documentation

A letter from a qualified healthcare provider confirming the medical necessity of the requested procedure and readiness for surgery.

Identity Verification

Valid government-issued identification and documentation supporting your gender identity.

Insurance Status

Documentation showing that insurance does not cover the procedure, or that you do not have insurance coverage for gender-affirming surgeries.

Requirements

Age Requirement

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.

U.S. Residency

Must be a current resident of the United States with valid documentation.

Financial Need

Demonstrated financial need through income verification and assessment. We consider total household income, assets, and existing financial obligations.

Medical Documentation

A letter from a qualified healthcare provider confirming the medical necessity of the requested procedure and readiness for surgery.

Identity Verification

Valid government-issued identification and documentation supporting your gender identity.

Insurance Status

Documentation showing that insurance does not cover the procedure, or that you do not have insurance coverage for gender-affirming surgeries.

Before applying, please consider the following questions to determine if this fund is right for you:

Are you 18 years of age or older?
Do you reside in the United States?
Do you lack insurance coverage for gender-affirming surgery, or does your insurance not cover the specific procedure you need?
Can you demonstrate financial need based on your current income and expenses?
Do you have a healthcare provider who can provide documentation of medical necessity?
Are you ready to proceed with surgery within 12 months of potential approval?
Can you cover any costs beyond the grant amount (if applicable)?

Self-Assessment

Before applying, please consider the following questions to determine if this fund is right for you:

Are you 18 years of age or older?
Do you reside in the United States?
Do you lack insurance coverage for gender-affirming surgery, or does your insurance not cover the specific procedure you need?
Can you demonstrate financial need based on your current income and expenses?
Do you have a healthcare provider who can provide documentation of medical necessity?
Are you ready to proceed with surgery within 12 months of potential approval?
Can you cover any costs beyond the grant amount (if applicable)?

1

Initial Application

Submit your application through apply.thafund.org. Include all required personal information, financial documentation, and medical records.

2

Review

Our team reviews your application for completeness and eligibility. We may reach out for additional documentation if needed.

3

Committee Review

Applications that pass initial review are evaluated by our funding committee based on financial need, medical necessity, and available funds.

4

Conditional Approval

If selected, you will receive conditional approval pending provider registration and verification.

5

Provider Registration

Your healthcare provider must register with THAF and submit required documentation, including cost estimates and facility credentials.

6

Approved

Upon successful provider verification, your funding is officially approved and reserved.

7

Documentation

Complete any final paperwork and coordinate surgery scheduling with your provider and our team.

8

Completed

After your procedure, we process payment directly to your healthcare provider. Share your success story to inspire others (optional).

Application Process

1

Initial Application

Submit your application through apply.thafund.org. Include all required personal information, financial documentation, and medical records.

2

Review

Our team reviews your application for completeness and eligibility. We may reach out for additional documentation if needed.

3

Committee Review

Applications that pass initial review are evaluated by our funding committee based on financial need, medical necessity, and available funds.

4

Conditional Approval

If selected, you will receive conditional approval pending provider registration and verification.

5

Provider Registration

Your healthcare provider must register with THAF and submit required documentation, including cost estimates and facility credentials.

6

Approved

Upon successful provider verification, your funding is officially approved and reserved.

7

Documentation

Complete any final paperwork and coordinate surgery scheduling with your provider and our team.

8

Completed

After your procedure, we process payment directly to your healthcare provider. Share your success story to inspire others (optional).

Application review typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission of a complete application.
You may be asked to provide additional documentation during the review process.
If approved, funds are paid directly to your healthcare provider, not to you personally.
You will be assigned a case coordinator who will guide you through the process.
All information submitted is kept strictly confidential and handled according to HIPAA guidelines.
Funding decisions are final and based on available resources and demonstrated need.
If not selected in one funding cycle, you may reapply in future cycles.

What to Expect

Application review typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission of a complete application.
You may be asked to provide additional documentation during the review process.
If approved, funds are paid directly to your healthcare provider, not to you personally.
You will be assigned a case coordinator who will guide you through the process.
All information submitted is kept strictly confidential and handled according to HIPAA guidelines.
Funding decisions are final and based on available resources and demonstrated need.
If not selected in one funding cycle, you may reapply in future cycles.

Please Read Carefully

All funding is subject to availability within the fund. We distribute funds based on the total amount available and the number of qualified applicants. We do not guarantee funding to any applicant.
A non-refundable $10 administrative fee is required with each application to cover processing costs. Fee waivers are available for those experiencing extreme financial hardship.
Approved funds must be used within 12 months of approval. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Funding cannot be transferred to another person or used for procedures other than those specified in your approval.
THAF reserves the right to verify all information provided and may deny or revoke funding if false information is discovered.
We are an independent organization working toward 501(c)(3) status. Donations to THAF may not currently be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.

Important Notes

Please Read Carefully

All funding is subject to availability within the fund. We distribute funds based on the total amount available and the number of qualified applicants. We do not guarantee funding to any applicant.
A non-refundable $10 administrative fee is required with each application to cover processing costs. Fee waivers are available for those experiencing extreme financial hardship.
Approved funds must be used within 12 months of approval. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Funding cannot be transferred to another person or used for procedures other than those specified in your approval.
THAF reserves the right to verify all information provided and may deny or revoke funding if false information is discovered.
We are an independent organization working toward 501(c)(3) status. Donations to THAF may not currently be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.

The Surgery Access Fund covers a wide range of gender-affirming surgical procedures including, but not limited to: chest surgery (top surgery), genital reconstruction surgeries, facial feminization surgery (FFS), tracheal shave, and other medically necessary gender-affirming procedures. Each application is evaluated individually based on the specific procedure requested and medical documentation provided.

Awards vary based on the procedure, your financial need, and available funding. The maximum award is $15,000 per recipient. Most awards range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the procedure and individual circumstances.

Yes! If your insurance covers part of your procedure but you cannot afford the remaining out-of-pocket costs, you may apply for assistance with the uncovered portion. Please provide documentation of your insurance coverage and estimated out-of-pocket expenses.

Applications are reviewed holistically, considering financial need, medical necessity, readiness for surgery, and the completeness of the application. We aim to support those with the greatest need while ensuring responsible stewardship of our funds.

Yes, you may work with the surgeon of your choice as long as they meet our provider requirements and are willing to register with THAF. We do not dictate where you receive care, though we can provide referrals if needed.

You are responsible for covering any costs beyond the awarded amount. Please ensure you have a plan for covering additional expenses before accepting an award. Some recipients use additional funding sources, payment plans with providers, or personal savings.

From application submission to funding disbursement typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the completeness of your application, provider registration timeline, and surgery scheduling. We recommend applying well in advance of your desired surgery date.

Absolutely. All personal information, medical records, and financial documentation are handled with strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations and our privacy policy. Information is only shared with those directly involved in processing your application.

Frequently Asked Questions