It is normal to feel worried when there is a change in your health. You may be worried about:
- Not being well enough to return to work
- Your savings running out
- Paying for medicines and support equipment you need
If you need income-related support, your health care providers can give you information and guide you to community, provincial and federal government services that can help based on your needs such as:
Income support and public pensions
- Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS).
Employment assistance and health benefits
- Employment Insurance – sickness benefits, disability benefits, short and long term disability or critical illness insurance, and caregiver benefits for adults.
Medical items and drug coverage
- Assistive devices programs provides funds to people who need customized equipment or supplies.
- The government of Ontario offers drug co-payment programs and coverage for the cost of some prescription drugs based on household income and/or age.
Nutrition
- Food banks and special diet allowances for certain medical conditions are available who are receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program.
Financial planning
- Speak to a financial advisor, accountant or other credit counseling options to help with money management, tax deductions, guardianship, power of attorneys and estate administration to protect your financial interests.
Housing
- Programs for those who are precariously housed to help pay for basic needs like food, rent and other essentials.
Property tax, credits and rebate programs
- Tax credits and deductions for persons with disabilities with a physical or mental impairment, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay and may claim the credit at tax time.
- The City of Toronto offers tax assistance for homeowners who cannot pay property taxes because of sickness or extreme poverty.
- There are utilities and emergency energy assistance programs available through utility providers.
Financial abuse
- Legal clinics, advocacy centers, crisis and support service for those at risk of harm, abuse or neglect.
Finding help with your finances lets you focus on your recovery.
What can I do to make money managing easier?
You and your family can try to:
- Create a financial plan and budget
- Connect with a financial advisor
- Set up a power of attorney for property
- Find out what your private health insurance covers (if you have it)
- Find out if you have disability insurance and what that covers
What is a power of attorney for property?
This is a legal document. It gives someone else the right to make money decisions for you when you are no longer able. This lets them help you with things like paying the bills.
Give this right to someone you trust.
Power of attorney for property – You can learn more about how to choose the right person on the Public Guardian and Trustee website.
How can my workplace support me?
Check with your workplace to see if you can get support for short-term or long-term disability.
Short-term disability lets you get some pay when you have a health problem that is lasting a long time. Your doctor will need to fill out some forms for you.
Long-term disability lets you get some pay if you cannot return to your job because of health problems. It can give you back more of your pay over a longer period of time.
How can my community support me?
Find out what local resources you have in your community. Sometimes there is help with housing, medical items and other services.
Visit Toronto Central Healthline website to explore options in the Greater Toronto area.
How can the government support me?
Here are some programs that may be able to help support you after a stroke. Explore each website to learn more about each program.
Employment Insurance (EI): Gives short-term financial support to people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Gives long-term financial support to people who cannot work because of their health or disability. Helps people with disabilities find a new job.
Ontario Works (OW): Gives short-term financial support for basic needs (such as food and shelter) and healthcare. Helps people find a new job.
Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension and Disability Benefits: Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits
Ontario Public Drug Programs: Ontario has programs that help pay for some medicines or medical items.
Having read the information in this section, consider the following:
- I need financial support (for example: to look after myself and/or family, pay for medications, equipment or changes to my home or car)?
- Am I eligible for assistance?
- Do I have private health/ disability insurance that can help pay for some of my costs (for example: Sun Life or Blue Cross)?
- Do I have short-term and/or long-term disability benefits through work?
- Do I know who to talk to about my work benefits (for example: my boss, human resources, union, or occupational health)?
- Do I know about government funding programs and tax benefits available to persons with disabilities (for example: Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits (CPP-D), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or The Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201 tax form)?
- Am I able to manage my money independently or do I need assistance (for example: pay bills or balance a budget)?
- Can my caregiver manage the finances?
- Do I need a Power of Attorney for Property to manage my money?
- Do I feel that I am being taken advantage of when it comes to my money?
Where to get more information, help and support:
Government Search Engines
Government of Canada Benefits Finder
Disability Benefits
Tax credits and benefits
Ontario Benefits Finder Tool
Service and Benefit Finder Tool
Veterans Affairs Canada
1-866-522-2122
Hardship Support
City of Toronto – Toronto Hardship Fund
416-338-8888 (select option 3)
City of Toronto Property Tax and Water Rebate Programs
Ceridian Cares
Search for services such as: Food banks and community food programs
For those Experiencing Abuse
Ministry of the Attorney General – Office of the Public Guardian & Trustee
1-800-891-0504
Advocacy Center for the Elderly (ACE)
Call toll free at 1-855-598-2656 or 416-598-2656
The Seniors Safety Line
1-866-299-1011
Housing Support
Toronto Rent Bank
416-397-RENT (7368)
Housing Focused Client Supports: Voluntary Trustee Program/ Voluntary Trusteeship
Housing Connections
Tel: 416-397-7400