Grants & Financial Assistance
Government programs and tax credits can help Canadian seniors with the costs of aging safely at home.
Federal Programs
These Canada-wide programs are available to eligible seniors in all provinces and territories.
Federal Benefits & Credits
Old Age Security (OAS)
Monthly pension for Canadians 65 and older. Includes Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for lower-income seniors.
Eligibility: 65+, legal resident of Canada for 10+ years
Apply: canada.ca/oas or 1-800-277-9914
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Monthly pension based on contributions made during working years. Can start as early as age 60.
Eligibility: Contributed to CPP during working years
Apply: canada.ca/cpp or 1-800-277-9914
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Non-refundable tax credit for those with severe and prolonged impairments. Opens access to other benefits.
Eligibility: Severe impairment certified by medical practitioner
Apply: Form T2201, canada.ca/dtc
Medical Expense Tax Credit
Claim eligible medical expenses including home modifications, assistive devices, and care services.
Eligible: Medical devices, home modifications, nursing care
Claim: Line 33099 on tax return
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
15% tax credit up to $10,000 per year for home modifications that improve accessibility and safety.
Eligible: Ramps, grab bars, accessible bathrooms, stairlifts
Claim: Line 31285 on tax return
Provincial Programs
Ontario
Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant
Up to $500 tax credit for homeowners 65+
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
75% funding for mobility aids, bathroom equipment
Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB)
Prescription coverage for seniors 65+
British Columbia
BC Senior's Supplement
Monthly supplement for low-income seniors
Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI)
Grants up to $20,000 for home modifications
Fair PharmaCare
Income-based prescription coverage
Alberta
Alberta Senior Benefit
Monthly benefit for low-income seniors
Aids to Daily Living
Equipment and supplies for daily living
Property Tax Reduction Program
Property tax relief for senior homeowners
Quebec
Tax Credit for Home-Support Services for Seniors
Refundable tax credit up to $6,000
Régie de l'assurance maladie (RAMQ)
Health insurance and prescription coverage
Other Provinces
Most provinces offer seniors' supplements, property tax relief, and prescription assistance programs.
Contact your provincial government for specific programs in your area.
Equipment & Home Modification Funding
Eligible Expenses
Home Modifications
- • Ramps and handrails
- • Accessible bathrooms
- • Widened doorways
- • Stairlifts and elevators
- • Improved lighting
Assistive Equipment
- • Mobility aids (walkers, wheelchairs)
- • Bathroom safety equipment
- • Hospital beds
- • Hearing aids
- • Medical alert systems
How to Apply
Federal Programs
- Visit canada.ca or call 1-800-277-9914
- Apply online or by phone
- Most benefits are automatic if you file taxes
- Keep receipts for medical expenses
Provincial Programs
- Contact your provincial health ministry
- May require assessment by healthcare provider
- Some programs have income limits
- Applications often available online
Important Tips
- • Apply for federal benefits even if you think you might not qualify
- • Many programs are retroactive - you can claim past expenses
- • Get quotes from multiple contractors for home modifications
- • Keep all receipts and documentation
- • Some programs require pre-approval before making purchases
Need Help?
Navigating government programs can be complex. Consider getting help from:
- • Local Community Information Centres
- • Senior services organizations
- • Tax preparation services
- • Your provincial 211 helpline