Information On Funding And Financial Assistance In Canada
Disclaimer: SeniorsBulletin.ca makes ongoing efforts to keep information up-to-date but takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in information on this website. Funding and financial assistance programs are updated and provided at the discretion of the program provider (National, Provincial or community level)
By Federal, Provincial and Community Level
Updated: March 2023
National - Canada Wide
Federal
Home Accessibility Expenses Tax Credit
Overview
The HATC is a non-refundable tax credit for eligible home renovation or alteration expenses that allow a qualifying individual to gain access to, or to be mobile or functional within the eligible dwelling or reduce the risk of harm to the qualifying individual within the dwelling or in gaining access to the dwelling.
Eligibility
- Must be 65 years or older, or
- Medical practitioner must fill out and certify that you have a severe and prolonged impairment and must describe its effects on you
- Up to $10,000/Year
Medical Expense Tax Credit
- Eligible medical expenses for yourself, spouse/common-law partner & dependent children (Stairlift needs doctor’s prescription)
Disability Tax Credit
Overview
The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit in Canada for individuals who have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental function. An impairment qualifies as prolonged if it is expected to or has lasted at least 12 months.
While this will not directly support any home accessibility equipment or medical alert systems, if eligible, it can provide you with a maximum credit of $8,870 for an adult, which can help towards those needs.
Basic Eligibility
A medical practitioner must certify you as eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. They must state you have a severe and prolonged impairment in 1 of the categories, significant limitations in 2 or more categories, or receive therapy to support a vital function.
Canada Not-For-Profit Organizations
Ceridian Cares
Overview
Ceridian Cares provides grants for the following types of needs:
- Clothing and Footwear: Seasonal clothing, boots, shoes, children’s clothing, work clothing, outerwear
- Food and Basic Household Needs: Food, blankets, mattresses, cookware/dishes, small appliances, towels, diapers, cribs, personal hygiene
- Medical Devices and Therapies: Prosthetics, eyewear, medical equipment, home adjustments for barrier free living, respite services, braille books, short-term counselling services, physiotherapy
- Personal Development and Recreation: Children’s programs, camp, art supplies, books, athletic programs
Please note: These are examples only and the list is not exhaustive. Grants typically range from $200 to $4000 to a maximum grant of $5000.
Basic Eligibility
Applicant must be
- 18 years of age or older
- A Canadian resident
- An individual or family in need of financial assistance related to the types of items supported by Ceridian Cares
Please note: Ceridian Cares will not provide grants to the same recipient in consecutive years.
Easter Seals Canada
March of Dimes Canada
- Manual and Power Wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Replacement Batteries
- Walkers
- Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)
- Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
- Home and Bath Aids
- Floor Patient Lifts
- Basic Aids for Daily Living
- Repairs to Existing Devices
Muscular Dystrophe Canada
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Overview
Provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease.
Loan pool and may provide assistance with funding for equipment for those with MS.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Funding eligibility varies from province to province – check the website for more information.
Veterans Affairs Canada - Veterans Independence Program For Primary Caregivers
Overview
The Veterans Independence Program for primary caregivers provides annual tax-free funding to help cover the cost for services such as grounds maintenance and housekeeping. This program helps the primary caregivers – of a Veteran who was receiving the Veterans Independence Program and who has now moved to long term care or is deceased – remain in their home and community.
This program does not replace other federal, provincial or municipal programs. Instead, it is intended to work with those programs to help meet your needs.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
To qualify for either housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance, the Veteran must have been eligible for that service through the Veterans Independence Program and has now moved to long term care or is deceased.
Ontario
Provincial
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
Overview
Government program that provides support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities. Provides access to assistive devices that meet individuals’ basic needs.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Basic Eligibility
Ontario residents with a valid Ontario Health Card who have a physical disability of 6 months or longer.
ADP will not pay for equipment available under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) or to Group “A” Veterans for their pensioned conditions.
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Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Overview
Income and employment support to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible.
Eligibility
Your eligibility for ODSP depends on medical and financial circumstances. Find out what information we look at when deciding your eligibility, and how much you can earn and keep in assets while being on ODSP. Learn how these affect your income support and eligibility on ODSP.
Ontario Works (OW)
Overview
OW is a social assistance program that provides money and help finding employment.
Basic Eligibility
Individuals may be eligible for OW if:
- Live in Ontario
- Need money right away to help pay for food and housing costs
- Willing to take part in activities that will help you find a job
Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit
Overview
In Ontario, Seniors can make their homes safer and more accessible with the help of this new tax credit in 2021 & 2022.
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Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant
Overview
Seniors who are low-to-moderate income senior, you may be eligible for up to $500 back on your property taxes.
Eligibility
Ontario seniors, who are 64 years of age or older, who paid Ontario property tax for the year and owned and occupied their principal residence may qualify for this grant amount. Some income requirements also need to be met.
Workplace Safety Insurance Board
Overview
Ontario government agency that provides compensation for injured workers. WSIB may provide funding for the following:
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Basic Eligibility
Client may be eligible for WSIB if they had a work-related injury/disease. May be eligible for funding for assistive/mobility devices.
Not-For-Profit Organizations
The ALS Society of Ontario
Overview
Equipment loan pool and may provide partial assistance with funding for equipment for those with ALS.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Applicants must be registered with ALS Ontario to qualify for assistance Proof of Income required (CRA Notice of Assessment)
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario - Equipment for Independence Program
Overview
May provide assistance with funding for medical equipment or renovations.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Individuals with spinal cord injury may be eligible for funding.
The Easter Seals Society - Ontario
Overview
Provides programs and services to children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario. Possible maximum of $3,000 for all equipment/service requests per client. Batteries, repairs and replacement parts are not funded.
- Mobility Equipment
- Accessibility Equipment
- Assistive Equipment ie. Bathing Toileting Equipment
Basic Eligibility
- Parents must attempt to access all other funding sources first.
- Funded items must be authorized by a healthcare professional.
Ontario March of Dimes - Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
Overview
You could get money to help with the cost of making your home and vehicle more accessible if you or your child has a disability that restricts mobility.
Eligibility
The program is available to permanent residents of Ontario who live with a substantial disability that impacts their mobility and daily function, and who can’t afford the modifications they need to maximize their independence.
Ontario March of Dimes - Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
Overview
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) of the March of Dimes assists adults with physical disabilities who are in financial need to purchase assistive devices to increase their mobility and functional independence.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Basic Eligibility
- 19 years of age or older
- Has an ongoing physical limitation that requires the use of an assistive device
- In financial need (refer to the Income Eligibility chart)
- A permanent resident of Ontario
Ontario Partnership On Aging And Developmental Disabilities
Overview
Organization’s mission is that older adults with a developmental disability have the same rights to support and services as all older Ontarians.
- Home modifications
Alberta
Provincial
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
Overview
The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness to maintain their independence at home, in lodges or group homes. It provides financial assistance to buy medical equipment and supplies. Must have valid personal health number in Alberta.
Basic Eligibility
An assessment by a health care professional determines the equipment and supplies that an Albertan can receive through this program.
Albertans pay 25% of the benefit cost to a maximum of $500 per individual or family per year. Low-income Albertans and those receiving income assistance are exempt from paying the cost-sharing portion.
British Columbia
Provincial
BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA)
The BC RAHA program is now accepting applications. BC RAHA is allocated on a first come, first served basis with priority given to complete applications. The program will close on March 31, 2023, or sooner if funds have been exhausted.
Overview
The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) program provides financial help in the form of rebates to eligible low-income households to complete home adaptations for independent living. A lifetime maximum amount of $17,500 applies.
Basic Eligibility
Homeowners have different program requirements than landlord or tenants. There is an application for Landlord/Tenant, and a separate and completely different application for Homeowners. Requirements are also different. Please see website for full details.
BC Rehab Individual Grant Application
Overview
Funds a range of new and used equipment and will consider even the most obscure devices if they will assist an individual in their quality of life and personal mobility. Examples of the most frequently funded equipment include:
- Power wheelchairs
- Manual Wheelchairs
- Driver’s rehab lessons
- Custom orthotics
- Specialized wheelchair seating systems
- Ramps
- Portable lift system
- Scooters
- Recreation therapy opportunities
- Walkers
- Assistive technology devices (e.g. Dragon speaking software)
Basic Eligibility
Awards are considered by a combination of factors. Approved applications typically demonstrate a severe need, an inability to acquire the needed equipment through other means and must meet financial and medical qualifications.
Canadian Red Cross - Health Equipment Loan Program
Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) provides Canadians with health equipment on a donation basis.
- Long Term Program
- Advanced Short Term Program
- Basic Short Term Program
Low Income Grant Supplement for Seniors
In British Columbia, this supplement allows low income seniors to supplement their home owner grant if it’s been reduced or eliminated because of the high assessed value of their principal residence.
Visit WebsiteSeniors Advocacy Service - Seniors Living Well Life After 60
Life After 60 steps its up where health care ends, supporting Senior’s in BC with Medical Priorities. It’s what we’re passionate about and we anticipate to cover a wide spectrum of support.
Funding from Life After 60 helps to cover costs for medical priorities such as: dental care, eye glasses, hearing aids, mobility devices and much more.
EligibilityFunding is based on financial needs and family demographics.
Visit WebsiteProvincial Not-For-Profit Organizations
Vancouver Foundation
Vancouver Foundation grants to hundreds of charities and non-profits in BC every year. Their vision is to create healthy, vibrant, and livable communities, that is focused on supporting projects that address the root causes of important issues. The Vancouver Fund may not provide funds directly for your needs but may provide funding for other charities that may be suitable. Subscribe to their mailing list for future grands and funds.
Basic EligibilityNot applicable.
Visit WebsiteSaskatchewan
Provincial
Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living
Overview
Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) provides assistance to people with physical disabilities to live a more active and independent lifestyle. It also helps people in the management of certain chronic health conditions.
Basic Eligibility
- Be a resident of Saskatchewan (check your eligibility for health benefits in Saskatchewan);
- Possess a valid Saskatchewan Health Services Number;
- Be referred for service by an authorized health care professional;
- Use a service in Saskatchewan, unless pre-authorized by Saskatchewan Health; and
- Not receive benefits from other government agencies such as Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), Worker’s Compensation Board, Health Canada (Non-Insured Health Benefits Program), or Department of Veterans Affairs
Manitoba
Provincial
Disability and Health Supports Unit
Overview
Disability and Health Support Unit assesses requests for equipment and other health related items on behalf of financial assistance programs offered by the province of Manitoba.
Basic Eligibility
Individuals involved with the Employment and Income Assistance Program, the Children’s disABILITY Services Program and the Community Living disABILITY Services Program may require additional support for health related supplies, equipment, nutritional or diet supplements based on a diagnosed medical need.
Home Care Services in Manitoba
Overview
Home care services were established in Manitoba in September 1974. The first of its kind, home care in Manitoba is the oldest comprehensive, province-wide, universal service in Canada.
Basic Eligibility
Home care is provided to Manitobans of all ages based on assessed need and in consideration of other resources available to the individual including families, community resources and other programs.
Prince Edward Island
Provincial
AccessAbility Supports
New supports offer more and better assistance to Islanders living with disabilities. Disabilities may include physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory and mental disabilities. Some of the new or enhanced supports include:
- support for all disabilities including physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory and mental, based on an assessment;
- a new assessment tool to help better understand how the disability affects activities of daily living to ensure appropriate support is provided;
- a supports coordinator to navigate all available support services and develop a personalized plan to meet individual needs;
- increased supports for finding or keeping a job including coaching and skills training;
- increased financial help for home and vehicle modifications required because of a disability -$10,000 every 10 years for home (was $2,000 in a lifetime) and $6,000 every 8 years for a vehicle (was $2,000 in a lifetime); and
- a single point of contact by calling a toll-free number for easier access to support.
You will meet with a staff person who will conduct an assessment to determine how disability affects your daily life and how AccessAbility Supports can help meet your needs. If you are a current disability support client, you will be automatically enrolled in AccessAbility Supports.
Visit WebsiteNewfoundland & Labrador
Provincial
Information Not Available
New Brunswick
Provincial
Information Not Available At This Time
Nova Scotia
Provincial
Information Not Available
Suggest a funding or financial assistance program
Disclaimer: SeniorsBulletin.ca makes ongoing efforts to keep information up-to-date but takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in information on this website. Funding and financial assistance programs are updated and provided at the discretion of the program provider (National, Provincial or community level)