Funding Assistance
At Wellwise, we want to help make living an active and independent life easier. The following is a list of organizations that can help provide you with financial support when purchasing assistive devices, mobility devices or home modifications. To determine the eligibility of you or a loved one, talk to us at Wellwise or contact a representative from the list below.
If your needs are short-term, you may be interested in our Rental Program.
Select your Region.
Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA)
Overview
CDA’s mission is “to lead the fight against diabetes by
helping
people with diabetes live healthy lives while working to find a cure” Provides assistance to
arrange
funding for diabetic supplies (i.e. Blood testing devices).
Basic Eligibility
CDA provides assistance to arrange funding and therefore each
funding
organization has different eligibility criteria.
Canadian Hearing Society
Overview
A charitable agency and the leading provider of services, products, and
information that remove barriers to communication, advance hearing health, and promote equity for people
who
are culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Central Association Of Kinsmen Clubs/Kin Canada/Association Of Kinsmen, Kinette And Kin Clubs
Overview
Service club organizations that work to better their communities, enhance
the
well-being of Canadians and improve the environment.
- Home modifications
- Assistive Devices
- Mobility Devices
Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club members.
Next Steps
If you are a member of a Kinsmen
Club, contact your
club
for more information.
Home Adaptations For Seniors’ Independence (HASI) (Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation – CMHC)
Overview
This program helps First Nations and First Nation members pay for minor
home
adaptations to on- reserve properties to extend the time low- income seniors can live in their own homes
independently
- Home modifications (bathroom modifications including installing a main floor washroom.)
Basic Eligibility
First Nations and First Nation members living on-reserve may
qualify
for assistance as long as the occupant of the dwelling where the adaptations will be made meets the
following eligibility criteria:
- 65 and over
- Has difficulty with daily living activities brought on by ageing
- Total household income is at or below a specified limit for your area
- Dwelling unit is a permanent residence.
Next Steps
Client or family must complete a
telephone screen interview to
assess funding assistance.
International Association Of Lions Clubs
Overview
Service club organization that may provide financial assistance for home
modifications or assistive devices.
- Home modifications
- Assistive Devices
- Mobility Devices
Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club
members.
Next Steps
If you are a member of a Lions Club, contact your
club for more information.
Kiwanis Club
Overview
Global organization of clubs dedicated to helping children and communities
based on the community’s needs.
Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club members.
Next Steps
If you are a member of a Kiwanis
Club,
contact your club
for more information.
Knights of Columbus
Overview
Club formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual
aid
and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club members.
Next Steps
If you are a member of the Knights of Columbus,
contact your club for more
information.
Muscular Dystrophe Canada
Overview
Organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating people about
neuromuscular disease. Loan pool and may provide assistance with funding for equipment for those with
MD.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
- Maximum contribution per item: $2,640
- Client minimum contribution: $200.00 - Equipment costing less than $200 is not eligible - You must be a registered client of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada will not issue reimbursements. Be sure to complete the application process and receive approval from our office, prior to purchasing the item.
Next Steps
Funding requests must include:
- A completed Muscular Dystrophe Canada Application Form
- Quotes from 2 different equipment vendors
- A signed equipment prescription from the appropriate licensed health care professional such as: an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, respiratory therapist, orthotist, physiatrist or podiatrist.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Overview
Provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and
funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease.
Loan pool and may provide assistance with funding for equipment for those with MS.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Funding eligibility varies from province to province - check the
website for more information.
Opportunities For The Disabled Foundation
Overview
Canadian based registered charitable non-profit organization that’s
mandate is to "help people with physical disabilities to live more fulfilling and independent lives.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Basic Eligibility
The Medical Equipment Recycling Program is open to all physically
challenged persons, and organizations that serve them, but is specifically designed to benefit the lower
income socially marginalized person(s), who would not be able to purchase the said equipment on their
own.
Next Steps
Opportunities For The
Disabled Foundation Application Form
President's Choice
Overview
Presidents Choice Children’s Charity receive applications from
families
whose children have been diagnosed with a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism,
muscular
dystrophy, spina bifida and various developmental delays ($20,000).
Basic Eligibility
- Medical diagnosis of disability
- Household gross income less than $70,000
- For more eligibility criteria/information needed with application see the application form
Next Steps
President's Choice Application Form
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program For Persons With Disabilities (RRAP-D) (Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation – C)
Overview
Offers financial assistance to First Nations and First Nation members to
undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low- income
persons
with disabilities.
Five-year forgivable loan (Maximum $15 000 lifetime). Funds are for minor renovations such as installing hand rails, grab bars, extra lighting, etc. Home value must be less than $400 000 and household income must be less than $55 000.
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
First Nations or individual First Nation members that require
repairs
to their homes may be eligible to apply. The total household income must be at or below the established
income threshold for their area and the property must meet minimum health and safety standards.
Next Steps
Client or family must complete a telephone screen interview to access
funding assistance.
Rotary Clubs/Rotary International
Overview
Together, Rotary clubs, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation
work
to make lasting improvements in our communities and around the world.
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Some assistance may be available to club
members.
Next Steps
If you are a member of a
Rotary Club, contact your
club for more information.
Veterans Affairs Canada
Overview
Department within the government of Canada with responsibility for
pensions/benefits and services for war veterans, retired and still-serving members of the Canadian
Forces
and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families, as well as some civilians.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
- Should be approved for funding on the basis of a recommendation by a health professional approved by Veterans Affairs Canada or, in the case of a Rehabilitation client, a recommendation by a qualified individual deemed appropriate by the Department.
- Special equipment may not be authorized merely for convenience or as a lifestyle choice
- The Department should be satisfied that the special equipment is the most appropriate response to the health-related needs of the client
- Simpler, less costly equipment should be considered before more complex and costlier equipment.
War Amputations of Canada
Overview
The War Amps is a Canadian nation-wide registered charitable organization
operated under the direction of war amputees.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Basic Eligibiliy
Children with amputations may be eligible for financial assistance
for
prosthetic limbs, recreational limbs and travel to prosthetic centres.
Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
Overview
Government program that provides support
and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical
disabilities. Provides access to assistive devices that meet
individuals’ basic needs.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Basic Eligibility
Ontario residents with a valid Ontario Health Card who
have a
physical disability of 6 months or longer.
ADP will not pay for equipment available under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) or to Group “A” Veterans for their pensioned conditions.
Next Steps
Client must be assessed by a healthcare professional who is an
authorizer. Authorizer must complete an Assistive Devices Program Application Form
The ALS Society of Ontario
Overview
Equipment loan pool and may provide partial
assistance with funding for equipment for those with ALS.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Applicants must be registered with
ALS Ontario to qualify for assistance Proof of Income required (CRA Notice
of Assessment)
Next Steps
The ALS Society of Ontario Application Form
*Application
Form (Page 2) must be prepared by a Registered
Health Professional e.g. OT, PT, RN
Alzheimer Society of Ontario
Overview
Organization “dedicated to improving
the quality of life for Ontarians living with Alzheimer's disease and
other dementias and advancing the search for the cause and cure.”
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Applicants must be registered with
the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario.
Must consider other government funding (ADP, ODSP), and be in a financial hardship.
Next Steps
Contact a counsellor at your local
Alzheimer Society of Ontario by telephone.
The Arthritis Society
Overview
The Arthritis Society has been setting
lives in motion for over 65 years, and is dedicated to a vision of living
well while creating a future without arthritis.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Canadian Paraplegic Association Of Ontario (Spinal Cord Injury Ontario)
Overview
May provide assistance with funding for
medical equipment or renovations.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Individuals with spinal cord
injury may be eligible for funding.
The Easter Seals Society
Overview
Provides programs and services to children
and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario. Possible maximum of
$3,000 for all equipment/service requests per client. Batteries, repairs
and replacement parts are not funded.
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
- Assistive devices
Basic Eligibility
Parents must attempt to access all
other funding sources first.
Funded items must be authorized by a healthcare professional.
Next Steps
Easter Seals Society Application Form & Guidelines
Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit
Overview
"A permanent, refundable personal income
tax credit for seniors and family members who live with them."
Basic Eligibility
You need to be:
- 65 years old or older by the end of the year for which you are claiming the credit
or
- living with a family member who is a senior
- Individuals at all income levels are eligible
Insurance Companies
Overview
e.g. health insurance through workplace, health
insurance
through
credit card, etc.
Basic Eligibility
Each insurance plan will have
different requirements and benefits. Some may cover costs of medical
equipment.
Next Steps
Check your insurance plan or go to the
company’s website.
Ontario Disability and Support Program (ODSP)
Overview
ODSP helps people with disabilities who are
in financial need pay for living expenses
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Batteries and repairs
Basic Eligibility
Individuals may be eligible for
ODSP if
- 18 years of age or older
- Live in Ontario
- In financial need
- A person with a disability as defined under the ODSP Act
Next Steps
- Check off ODSP box on ADP forms
- Request for funding has to go through the case-worker.
- Occupational Therapist needs to send a quote and letter of rationale to case worker
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP)
Overview
OFCP is a non profit charitable
organization dedicated to supporting people with cerebral palsy (CP)
in Ontario.
May provide financial assistance for the following:
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Funding for individuals with
Cerebral Palsy of all ages who are members of OFCP.
Next Steps
Ontario Federation for
Cerebral Palsy Membership Info
Ontario March of Dimes (Assistive Devices Program)
Overview
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) of the
March of Dimes assists adults with physical disabilities who are in
financial need to purchase assistive devices to increase their mobility
and functional independence.
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Basic Eligibility
Eligibility:
- 19 years of age or older
- Has an ongoing physical limitation that requires the use of an assistive device
- In financial need (refer to the Income Eligibility chart)
- A permanent resident of Ontario
Ontario March Of Dimes – Home And Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
http://www.marchofdimes.ca/EN/programs/hvmp/Pages/HomeandVehicle.aspx
Overview
Funding for home and/or vehicle
modifications for individuals with disabilities that restrict their
mobility and prevent them from living safely in their homes. Maximum $15
000 lifetime. Funds are for accessibility and bathroom modifications
including installing a main floor washroom.
- Home modifications
Basic Eligibility
Encourage individuals to look for
other funding first.
Eligibility:
- A permanent Ontario resident
- A person with a substantial impairment caused by bodily injury, birth defect or
- Illness that is ongoing and/or recurring and is expected to last one year or more.
- The impairment impedes mobility and results in substantial restriction in
- activities of daily living
Next Steps
Ontario March Of Dimes – Home And Vehicle Modification Program
(HVMP) - Application information
Ontario Partnership On Aging And Developmental Disabilities
Overview
Organization’s mission is that older
adults with a developmental disability have the same rights to support and
services as all older Ontarians.
- Home modifications
Ontario Works (OW)
Overview
OW is a social assistance program that
provides money and help finding employment.
Basic Eligibility
Individuals may be eligible for OW
if:
- Live in Ontario
- Need money right away to help pay for food and housing costs
- Willing to take part in activities that will help you find a job
Next Steps
- Check off OW box on ADP forms
- Request for funding has to go through the case-worker
- Occupational Therapist needs to send a quote and letter of rationale to case worker
Workplace Safety Insurance Board
Overview
Ontario government agency that provides
compensation for injured workers. WSIB may provide funding for the
following:
- Assistive devices
- Mobility devices
Basic Eligibility
Client may be eligible for WSIB if
they had a work-related injury/disease. May be eligible for funding for
assistive/mobility devices.
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
Overview
The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps Albertans (valid
personal health number in Alberta) with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness to
maintain their independence at home, in lodges or group homes by providing financial assistance to buy
medical equipment and supplies.
Basic Eligibility
An assessment by a health care professional determines the
equipment and supplies that an Albertan can receive through this
program.
Albertans pay 25% of the benefit cost to a maximum of $500 per
individual or family per year. Low-income Albertans and those receiving income assistance are exempt
from paying the cost-sharing portion.
Vehicle Retrofitting And Accessible Vehicle Program
Overview
The Vehicle Retrofit Program will provide a maximum grant of 80% of the
first $5,625 and 50% of next $7,000 to individuals, registered non-profit organizations, municipalities
or private companies towards the cost of supporting and/or installing eligible accessibility features
for a new or existing vehicle.
Basic Eligibility
- Individual Residents of New Brunswick
- Registered Non-Profit Organizations
- Municipalities of New Brunswick
- Private companies providing transportation service to disabled persons within New Brunswick
- Must be primary personal use vehicle
Next Steps
Vehicle
Retrofitting And Accessible Vehicle Program - Application Form
The John Wood Foundation Inc.
Overview
The John Wood Foundation Inc. focuses on raising money that will be
allocated to benefit those in need and enable people with significant disabilities to obtain the support
they need (up to $5000).
Basic Eligibility
- Must be a resident of New Brunswick.