On this page, we have outlined supports available for seniors.
Learn more about supports for individuals
Learn more about supports for families and caregivers
Learn more about supports for business, not for profits or nonprofits
Learn more about supports for mental health
Seniors Supports
Below you will find a list of resources and further information on programs and tax credits specifically designed for seniors. If you have questions or need support with any of these programs you can contact Lisa MacLeod's constituency office at [email protected] or 613-23-2116.
Seniors Home Renovation Tax Credit
- For seniors, this means an opportunity to extend the duration of living in their homes by providing seniors and their families a 25% credit on eligible renovation expenses of up to $10,000
- Eligible expenses include grab bars and related reinforcements around the toilet, tub and shower, wheelchair ramps, stair lifts and elevators, as well as renovations to permit first floor occupancy or a secondary suite for a senior.
- More details will be announced later this summer
Trillium Drug Program (TDP) application
To submit a Trillium Drug Program application or supporting documentation, you can either:
- fax the documents to 416-642-3034
- e-mail the documents to [email protected]
If faxing or emailing, you must mail the original signed form to the TDP by Canada Post when the outbreak is over. We will update this page to tell you when you have to mail us your documents.
When you mail us the original application, please write in bold letters "Resubmit Originals" on the application form.
Seniors Co-Payment Program (SCP) application
To submit a Seniors Co-Payment Program application or supporting documentation, you can either:
- fax the documents to 416-642-3034
- e-mail the documents to [email protected]
If faxing or emailing, you must mail the original signed form to the SCP by Canada Post when the outbreak is over. We will update this page to tell you when you have to mail us your documents.
When you mail us the original application, please write in bold letters "Resubmit Originals" on the application form.
Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System payments for seniors
If you’re a low-income senior, you may qualify for monthly Guaranteed Annual Income System payments.
Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 announced a temporary top-up to payments made through the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS). Beginning in April 2020 and ending in September 2020, monthly GAINS payment amounts are automatically doubled. This action provides additional and immediate financial support to low-income Ontario seniors who may need more help to cover essential expenses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Learn more.
Provincial Land Tax Deferral Program for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons with Disabilities
Low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities can get a partial deferral of provincial land tax and education tax. The tax deferral applies to the tax increase in the current year and not to outstanding taxes.
Provincial land tax is a property tax on land located in non-municipal areas. The tax helps to support the local share of a number of services in these areas.
Do I qualify?
You can claim the tax deferral if:
- you owned residential/farm property that was used as your principal residence for at least one year preceding the application, and
- you are a low-income person with disabilities who received a benefit paid under the Ontario disability support program, or
- you are a low-income senior 65 years of age or older and received a benefit paid under the guaranteed income supplement.
About: Ontario disability support program
About: guaranteed income supplement
If you jointly held or co-owned the property with another person who was not your spouse, each of you must qualify to receive the tax deferral.
If you sell the property or if you no longer qualify for the tax deferral, a lien will be registered on the property and you will need to pay all deferred taxes.
Note: tax deferral amounts cannot be transferred to the estate of deceased property owners.
Ontario Seniors’ Public Transit Tax Credit
Who is eligible
To qualify for the credit, you must:
- be 65 years old or older on the last day of the previous tax year that you're claiming the credit
- live in Ontario by the end of that year
For example, to qualify for the credit when you file your personal Income Tax and Benefit Return in 2022, you must be:
- 65 years or older on December 31st, 2020
- a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2021
If you moved outside of Ontario before December 31, 2021, you wouldn't qualify for the tax credit.
Credit
You can claim up to $3,000 in eligible public transit expenses and receive up to $450 each year.
Dental care for low-income seniors
Dental care providers are continuing to monitor COVID-19covid 19 in their communities and carefully and gradually restarting services under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP). In person dental visits may still be limited during this time for the safety of dental care providers and patients.
You can continue to apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program during this period.
If you are enrolled in the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program , please contact your local public health unit by phone for assistance with your dental needs and more information on the gradual restart of services in your area.
Assistive Devices Program
Through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), we help people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, like wheelchairs and hearing aids.
The ADP also helps cover the cost of specialized supplies, such as those used with ostomies.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must:
- be an Ontario resident
- have a valid Ontario health card
- have a disability requiring the equipment or supplies for six months or longer
We do not consider your income.
Who does not qualify
You do not qualify for the ADP if you:
- already qualify for or are receiving financial support for the same equipment or supplies from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
- are a Group “A” veteran and already qualify for or are receiving financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada for the same equipment or supplies
Local Ottawa Seniors Resources
Seniors Active Living Centres
These centres offer social, cultural, learning and recreational programs. Contact your local centre to see if virtual or telephone programming is available.
Helplines
211 Ontario
Get information and referrals to community, government, social and health services, including mental health resources, across Ontario.
Ontario Caregiver Helpline
Provides caregivers with a one-stop resource for information and support, including a 24/7 helpline.
Call 1-833-416-2273 or connect to live chat online.
Seniors Safety Line
The Seniors Safety Line is a 24/7, confidential and free resource that provides information, referrals and support in over 150 languages for seniors experiencing abuse. Trained counsellors also provide safety planning and supportive counselling. Call 1-866-299-1011 for support. If you are in danger right now, call 911 or your local police.
Benefits and Tax Credit Supports
There are several provincial and federal tax credit and benefit programs for seniors, including:
Medical
Reduced Co-payment for Lower-Income Seniors
Depending on your annual income, you may be able to have the Ontario Drug Benefit Program $100 annual deductible waived and have your co-payment reduced to $2 per prescription.
Medical: Trillium Drug Program
If you have high prescription drug costs and a low household income, you may be able to pay $2 or less for every prescription.
Medical: ODB: Ontario Drug Benefit Program
Find out if the cost of your prescription drugs are covered by the province.
Income
GAINS: Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System
If you are 65+ years old and receive the federal Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement payments, you could get up to $83 per month to ensure your income stays above a certain amount.
Provincial Land Tax Deferral Program for Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons with Disabilities
For low-income seniors and low-income people with disabilities. Apply for an annual deferral of part of the provincial land tax and education tax increases.
Ontario Electricity Support Program
Provides low-income consumers with a monthly on-bill credit to reduce electricity bills.
Home and Transportation
Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit (2021)
Helping seniors stay in the homes they love, longer, by implementing the Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit for 2021. This new credit, announced in November 2020, will provide an estimated $30 million in support for about 27,000 seniors and people who live with senior relatives.
Ontario Seniors’ Public Transit Tax Credit
If you’re 65 years or older, find out if you could get a tax credit to help with public transit costs.
Home and Vehicle Modification Program
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.
Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant
If you are 64+ years old and own a home, you could get up to $500 to help with the cost of property taxes.
Government Pensions
Seniors in Ontario can apply for pensions and programs from both the federal and provincial governments. Find out about eligibility requirements, how much money you could receive, and how to apply for the:
- Canada Pension Plan – provides pensions and benefits when contributors retire, become disabled, or pass away
- Old Age Security pension – a monthly payment available to most people age 65 or older. In some cases, Service Canada will be able to automatically enroll you for the OAS pension. In other cases, you will have to apply for the Old Age Security pension. Service Canada will inform you if you have been automatically enrolled.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement – provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to Old Age Security recipients who have a low income and are living in Canada
- Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) – a provincial program that ensures a guaranteed minimum income for qualifying Ontario seniors. Monthly payments are on top of the federal Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement payments you may also receive
Pensions and benefits for veterans
Benevolent funds assist veterans, ex-service personnel and their dependents. The assistance is usually for basic needs such as food and housing.
Veterans Affairs Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada offers a range of services and benefits to eligible veterans and others. The benefits are available for conditions related to service in the Merchant Navy, Canadian Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or those serving in support of the Canadian Forces in wartime or in Special Duty/Operational Areas. Get more information and find out how to apply for:
Health care programs and services
Ottawa Public Health Health Resources
Ottawa Public Health has a comprehensive list of resources for seniors that you can access here
Ontario Healthcare Programs and Services
Seniors in Ontario have access to many health care programs and services in their communities.
Find health care services at Health Care Options.
Get more information about how to access provincial health care programs and services including:
- the new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program - provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older
- the Ontario Drug Benefit Program – helps people age 65 and older pay for prescription drugs (with a valid Ontario health card)
- the Low-Income Seniors Co-Payment Drug Program – helps seniors with low incomes (under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program)
- the Assistive Devices Program – provides support if you have a long-term physical disability and provides access to personalized assistive devices
- Health Care Connect – helps you find a doctor or nurse practitioner if you don’t have one
- Telehealth Ontario – call this confidential telephone service for health advice or general health information from a registered nurse
- Thehealthline.ca–find a list of health and community services in your area
- ConnexOntario – provides information and referral services to access mental health and addictions (drug, alcohol, problem gambling) supports across the province
Home and Community Care Support Services organizations provide patient care including home care and long-term care home placement services and facilitate access to community services. If you qualify, the Ontario government pays for a wide range of services in your home and community. If you don’t qualify, you may be eligible for community support services that often have a client co-payment. You can also get help from private companies for a fee. To find out if you are eligible, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/homecare-seniors#section-1
Vaccinations
Vaccines protect you and those around you from serious preventable diseases. Ontario offers the following free vaccines for adults, including those 65 years of age and older:
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (once in adulthood) Tetanus and diphtheria (every 10 years)
- Flu shot (every fall)
- Pneumococcal (at age 65)
- Shingles (one dose between ages 65 and 70)
Get information about free vaccines, including shingles, and how to get them.
Staying active
Staying active is important for your health and quality of life. It is recommended that adults ages 65 and over get 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Learn more about:
- physical activity tips for adults age 65 years and older
- guidelines you can follow for physical activity and sedentary behaviour
- the Ontario 55+ Senior Games
Staying mentally and socially engaged is also key to good overall health. There are a number of programs and services to help you get active. You can:
- find out about programs and services available in your area through 211ontario.ca
- learn more about active living, health and wellness supports in your area through our Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario
- get tips about brain health from the Alzheimer Society
- Visit the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal to locate the latest research and information about healthy aging across a broad range of topics
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Find information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias from the:
- Alzheimer Society of Ontario – dedicated to improving the quality of life for Ontarians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- Finding Your Way Wandering Prevention Program – helps people living with dementia live more safely in their community and raises awareness
Prevent falls and injuries
Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors and roughly half of these occur at home. Fortunately, many falls are preventable. The Fall Prevention Seminar is a one-hour program designed to inform seniors on how to prevent falls and maintain their independence.
Available in English and French, the seminars:
- provide practical information and tools to help prevent falls and injuries
- look at health issues that put seniors at risk of falling in their home and community
Call 1-888-910-1999 or email for more information and to find a seminar near you.
The Government of Canada also has resources to help seniors stay safe at home and prevent falls, including:
- You CAN Prevent Falls!
- 12 Steps to Stair Safety at Home
- The Safe Living Guide – A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors
- Maintaining Seniors’ Independence: A Guide to Home Adaptations
Older Adults in Long-Term Care (LTC) and Retirement Homes (RH)
Visits to long-term care homes (LTCH) and retirement homes (RH) continue with updated guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health for areas with higher community spread. For up to date information about LTCH and RH in Ottawa, please visit the:
- City of Ottawa's Long-Term Care webpage
- Information about LTCH and RH section of Ottawa Public Health’s Frequently asked Questions page.
Provincial guide to programs and services for seniors
Find information on resources available for seniors in Ontario, including tax credits, health, caregiving, housing, driving and staying safe.
- government pensions
- tax credits
- benefits
- staying active
- healthcare programs and services
- preventing falls
- dementia
- long-term care and retirement homes
- community supports
- driver’s licences and licence plates
- accessible parking permits
- driving and transportation services
- emergencies
- fraud
- legal matters
Federal Programs and Services for Seniors
In addition to the federal programs already identified in the above list, please find additional information and resources at the following web-page:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/seniors.html
