Programs for unpaid caregivers in Nova Scotia

Service Canada’s published EI caregiving hub describing family caregiver benefits for critically ill adults or children and compassionate care benefits for end-of-life support, with separate medical certificate rules.

Up to 15 weeks of EI income replacement when you provide care or support to a critically ill or injured adult.

Up to 35 weeks of EI income replacement when you care for a critically ill or injured child under 18.

Up to 26 weeks of EI income replacement when you care for or support someone with a serious medical condition and significant risk of death within 26 weeks.

Non-refundable federal tax credit for supporting an infirm spouse or dependant.

Tax-free monthly VAC (Veterans Affairs Canada) payment for unpaid caregivers of veterans with a severe, service-related disability and a disability benefit.

$400 per month in cash for eligible Nova Scotia caregivers supporting an adult with a high level of care needs when the household is low income.

Monthly taxable pension from age 65 for long-term residents and citizens, with a 10% increase from age 75.

Tax-free monthly top-up for low-income seniors who receive Old Age Security.

Monthly tax-free benefit for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or partner receives GIS and full OAS.

Monthly tax-free benefit for widowed people aged 60 to 64 with low income.

Monthly CPP disability pension for contributors under age 65 with severe and prolonged disability.

Monthly payment for children of a CPP disabled or deceased contributor.

Tax-free monthly payment added to CCB (Canada Child Benefit) for children under 18 who are approved for the DTC (Disability Tax Credit).

Non-refundable federal credit for qualifying renovations that improve accessibility or reduce risk of harm in a principal residence for a senior or a DTC-eligible person.

Refundable federal tax credit for qualifying renovations that create a self-contained secondary suite for a senior or a DTC-eligible adult in your home.

Unused disability tax credit may transfer to a spouse or other supporting person (line 31800).

Federal non-refundable tax credit for people with a severe and prolonged impairment certified on Form T2201.

Registered savings plan for people approved for the Disability Tax Credit, with federal matching grants and income-tested bonds.

Monthly or ongoing survivor benefits may apply under the *Pension Act* and the newer **Pension for Life** framework (e.g., Income Replacement Benefit for eligible survivors), depending on the veteran’s VAC file.

Non-refundable federal credit for eligible medical expenses above the threshold based on net income (and family member rules on Schedule 5).

Monthly help for basic needs, shelter, and some special needs when you cannot financially support yourself or your family.

Supports for Nova Scotians with intellectual disabilities or long-term mental illness.

Provincial funding for respite and disability-related supports so children with significant needs can stay at home.

Prescription drug assistance for Nova Scotia residents 65+ without other drug coverage. This is coverage, not cash.

Provincial prescription-drug cost protection for Nova Scotia residents whose prescription costs are a financial burden.

Nova Scotia does not run a separate autism-only fund like Ontario's OAP. Families often enter through Direct Family Support for Children (DFSC), health and community services, or local autism organizations. Call 211 for routing help.

Quarterly refundable tax credit for low and modest-income Nova Scotians, paid with GST/HST (goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax credit) credit.

Quarterly tax-free support for very low-income adults on Income Assistance with no children.

Nova Scotia provides a free annual Halifax Transit or Transit Cape Breton pass to eligible Income Assistance and Disability Support Program participants in HRM and CBRM.

Annual rebate to help low and modest-income households pay home heating costs.