Programs for unpaid caregivers in Ontario

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.

Official Ontario Health hub describing navigation for unpaid caregivers, links to coordinated care resources, and published caregiver-facing material.

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).

Provincial monthly income support and health-related benefits for adults 18 to 64 with a substantial disability, separate from the federal Disability Tax Credit and CPP-D (Canada Pension Plan Disability).

Last-resort monthly financial assistance for eligible Ontario residents who need help with basic needs and shelter costs.

Non-taxable monthly Ontario top-up for low-income seniors who receive or are eligible for federal GIS, paid alongside OAS/GIS.

Ontario shares the cost of wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other prescribed assistive devices for eligible residents.

Direct funding for eligible families caring for a child with a developmental or physical disability.

Monthly payment from $25 to $665 for families caring for a child under 18 with a severe disability, based on income and extraordinary costs.

Ontario reimburses eligible community participation expenses from about $5,500 up to $44,275 per year after Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) assessment. Not income-tested.

Needs-based autism supports for children and youth under 18 in Ontario. Apply through AccessOAP; this tool does not ask about an autism diagnosis.

Funding toward essential home and vehicle modifications for people with substantial mobility impairments after other funding sources are considered.

Refundable Ontario credit for eligible medical expenses that support aging at home: up to 25% of $6,000 in expenses (max $1,500), reduced when family net income exceeds $35,000.

Free routine and preventive dental services for income-eligible Ontario seniors 65+ without other dental coverage.

Annual Ontario grant for low- and moderate-income seniors who own and occupy a principal residence and pay property tax, claimed on Form ON-BEN.

Prescription drug coverage for Ontario residents 65+ on the ODB formulary, automatic enrollment at 65; optional Seniors Co-Payment Program for lower deductibles/copays by income.

Provincial coverage after an income-tested annual deductible for people without private drug insurance who have high prescription costs.

Provincial dental coverage for children and youth 17 and under in eligible low-income households (and automatic enrolment for some social assistance streams).

Combines sales tax credit, energy & property tax credit, and northern energy credit.