Financial Assistance

The Canadian government webpage for Disability Benefits provides information about several financial support programs.

The following are the main sections and information about the benefits offered by the federal government:

 Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit. This taxable benefit is for individuals who are no longer able to work because of a disability. You will find details about eligibility, potential amounts, and how to apply.

Child Disability Benefit (CDB). This is a tax-free monthly payment for families with a child under the age of 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment of physical or mental functions. The page explains the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Education funding for people with disabilities. Services, benefits, and programs aimed at helping people with disabilities and their families pay for their studies.

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The RDSP is a long-term savings plan that helps persons with disabilities save for their future. The government can also contribute to the plan to maximize savings.

Excise Gasoline Tax Refund. People who can't use public transportation because of a mobility impairment can request the refund of part of the federal excise tax on gasoline purchased.

CPP Children's Benefit. A monthly payment available to persons receiving the CPP Disability Benefit and who have an eligible dependent child under the age of 25.

 Veterans Disability Benefit. A tax-free benefit in recognition and compensation for injuries or illnesses resulting from service.

Tax credits and deductions for persons with disabilities. Deductions and tax credits available to persons with disabilities, their family caregivers, and other caregivers.

Canadian Dental Care Plan. Dental care coverage for children under 18, adults aged 18 to 34, and adults aged 55 and older. It also covers adults aged 35 to 54 who have a valid federal Disability Tax Credit Certificate.

The Disability Benefits Compass is an online tool providing detailed information about the main benefits available to people with disabilities. It offers guides to help you understand eligibility criteria, how to apply, and any potential challenges associated to each benefit. It provides practical advice, concrete examples, and links to additional resources. The tool is particularly useful for people with disabilities, their caregivers, family members and support organizations, helping them effectively navigate the Canadian benefits system.

York University's website offers information about several types of support resources at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels. You can select the province where you live and the type of resources you are looking for, e.g., home support services, rehabilitation services for children with disabilities, etc.

Alberta's AISH program (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) offers financial and health benefits to adults with a permanent disability that prevents them from earning a living. Benefits may include:

• A monthly allowance to cover for your living expenses such as food, rent and utilities,
• An additional allowance for your dependent children, and
• Health benefits for yourself, your spouse or partner, and your dependent children.

You will find detailed information about eligibility criteria, the kinds of support offered, how to apply, and contact details if you need help.

Alberta's Income Support program offers individuals and families financial assistance to cover basic expenses like food, clothing, and shelter. The program is aimed at persons who don't have the resources to cover their basic needs. You will find information about eligibility criteria, the types of support available, how to apply, and contact details if you need help.

British Columbia's Disability Assistance program offers financial support and health services to people with a severe impairment. 

Benefits include a monthly allowance, supplements for specific needs, and employment support. The program allows you to work and earn an income up to a certain threshold without affecting the amount of your monthly assistance.

The Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities provide financial assistance to people with disabilities 18 years and older. Benefits cover basic needs such as housing and other living expenses. Community helpers are also available to support you in accessing programs that respond to your needs.

The New Brunswick Disability Support Program offers tailored and flexible support to persons with disabilities of age 19 to 64. It helps you develop a personal support plan that responds to your specific needs. Services may include financial assistance, rehabilitation, technical help, and other resources to enable your active participation in the community.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government website provides information about the programs and services available to support people with disabilities and their families. The main initiatives include:

• Special Child Welfare Allowance Program: financial assistance for families with a child under 18 years of age with a physical or intellectual disability who lives at home.
• Provincial Home Support Program: services to supplement care for persons at home while maintaining individual independence.
• Special Assistance Program: basic medical supplies and equipment needed by people with disabilities. 

The website provides information about other programs funded by the Department of Health and Community Services and other departments and government agencies. You will also find additional resources to help you access the support you need.

The Northwest Territories Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Program offers financial assistance to persons aged 60 years and older and persons aged 19 to 59 who have a permanent or long-term disability and whose needs are greater than their income. 

The program helps you cover basic needs such as shelter and utilities. The assistance amount is set according to family income and community of residence. Applications are accepted all year-long starting July 1st. Users must provide required documents each year for assessment purposes. To apply, you must complete the corresponding form and go to a local service centre of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) with an identity document and your relevant financial information.

The Nova Scotia Disability Support Program provides a range of services for children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, a long-term mental illness, or physical disabilities. 

Available options include:

• The Direct Family Support for Children Program, providing funding to help families support their child with a disability at home, and
• The Independent Living Support Program, providing funding for hours of support services at home, based on your assessed needs. 

Other resources, such as the Wheelchair Recycling Program, are also available to provide eligible persons with adapted equipment.

The Nunavut government Social Supports Program provides support to people with disabilities in the territory.

The Ontario Disability Support Program provides financial assistance and employment support services to persons with disabilities.

The program provides income support to help cover living expenses such as food and rent. It offers benefits for health expenses, including dental and vision care, as well as employment support measures to foster clients' professional integration. 

The Prince Edward Island AccessAbility Supports Program offers assistance to persons with physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory and/or mental disabilities. 

The program provides support in five main areas:

1. Personal Supports: help for personal daily living needs, life skills training, and technical aids.
2. Housing Supports: funds for home or vehicle modifications related to disability needs.
3. Community Supports: fostering participation in the community through day programming and specialized transportation services.
4. Caregiver Supports: helping family members or caregivers, including funds for supervision and respite.
5. Financial Supports: assistance for basic living expenses, if needed, through what is called Assured Income.

Use the link provided above to learn about eligibility.

The Quebec Pension Plan offers disability benefits to persons deemed to have a severe and permanent disability. Such benefits include:

• Disability Pension: a monthly payment for persons under the age of 65 whose disability is certified by the Retraite Québec medical team. For 2025, this pension can reach a maximum of $1,672.62 per month.
• Pension for a Disabled Contributor's Child: an amount for each child under age 18 who depends on the person with a disability.

For complete information about eligibility criteria, payment calculation, and how to apply, consult the Quebec government website.

The Social Assistance and Social Solidarity Programs provide financial assistance to individuals and families facing a precarious situation.

• The Social Assistance program is intended for single adults or families who do not have severely limited capacity for employment. It offers financial assistance to cover basic needs and encourages participation in activities that foster employment integration or social participation.
• The Social Solidarity program is intended for single adults or for families where at least one adult has severely limited capacity for employment. It provides financial assistance and fosters integration and social participation. 

Benefit amounts vary according to family make-up, type of housing, income, and other criteria. Detailed information about payment amounts and dates are available on the Quebec government website.

The Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program is aimed at persons with significant and enduring disabilities. It provides long-term income support and access to a large choice of services. 

The Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS)  program is a provincial initiative designed to help low-income or unemployed persons cover their basic needs. 

The program offers financial assistance for expenses such as housing, utilities, and other basic needs. The amount provided varies according to household make-up and area of residence. For instance, starting May 1st, 2024, monthly amounts for a single adult are $650 in Saskatoon or Regina, and $590 in the rest of the province.

The Yukon government offers a range of services to support people with disabilities, fostering their independence, community inclusion and dignity. 

Such services include:

• Support for children with disabilities: financial support for families towards care and inclusion of children with disabilities up to 19 years old.
• Support for adults with disabilities: financial support for family respite, day programs, and independent living support for individuals of age 19 and older with an intellectual disability or a developmental disorder.
• Home care, including the provision of short-term care, chronic illness care, palliative care, and rehabilitation and respite services. 

For further information:

• Call 867-393-7464.