Families demand CUME benefit improvements nationwide
Families relying on the CUME benefit, designed to support parents of seriously ill children, are demanding improvements to the program. They report abuses by mutual insurance companies. The ASFACUME association, representing over 15,000 families nationwide, has been seeking a response from Social Security for nine months regarding alleged abuses. The CUME benefit provides financial support to parents who reduce work hours to care for children with cancer or other serious illnesses. ASFACUME is advocating for changes including faster legal processes, expanded eligibility, and a mediator to resolve disputes with insurance companies. They also seek protection for caregivers after the benefit ends.