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National Association for Incontinence (NAFC): www.nafc.org
Alliance for Aging and Research: www.agingresearch.org
The Canadian Continence Foundation: www.canadiancontinence.ca/
Incontinence supplies can be a financial strain for some individuals and caregivers. To ease the financial burden and to help ensure access to the products you need, there are a number of Federal and Provincial tax credits and programs that you can take advantage of. In addition, there are numerous societies who can help with funding should you be eligible. The information listed below is provided solely for informational purposes.
Easter Seals Ontario administers the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. This program is for children and youth with chronic disabilities that result in irreversible incontinence or retention problems lasting longer than six months requiring the use of incontinence supplies. This program is fully funded by the Ministry.
The Top Up Program “tops up” the annual amount from the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program for eligible individuals and families. This program is fully funded by the Ministry of Children & Youth Services, and all eligibility criteria and top up grant levels are set by this Ministry. Easter Seals Ontario acts as a transfer payment agency for this program.
For more information about these programs or to apply, please see the Easter Seals website: www.easterseals.org
The MS Society offers a variety of programs to help people affected by multiple sclerosis effectively manage and cope with the disease. MS can be quite challenging at times, but through the support offered by the MS Society, no one has to face these challenges on their own.
Due to limited resources, funding programs are not available in all chapters and divisions. Items that are funded through special assistance programs may also vary from office to office.
To find more information or the nearest MS Society chapter to you, please refer to the MS Society’s website: www.mssociety.ca
If you are a Canadian Veteran, depending on your province of residence, you may be eligible to receive benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada for medical supplies including incontinence products. Please refer to the Veterans Affairs Canada website to check your eligibility: http://www.veterans.gc.ca
Incontinence products may be deemed an eligible medical expense tax credit by the CRA. As per S1-F1-C1: Medical Expense Tax Credit 1.87: “The cost of diapers, disposable briefs, catheters, catheter trays, tubing, or other products required by a patient because of incontinence caused by illness, injury or affliction are eligible medical expenses under paragraph 118.2(2)(i.1)”
Please click the following link to review the CRA’s webpage on the Medical Expense Tax Credit to help determine whether it applies to you: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html
Depending on the severity and prolongation of your incontinence, you may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Please refer to the following link to review the CRA’s forms regarding eligibility: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t2201/
If you are receiving Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support, you and your family may be able to get help with the cost of incontinence supplies. Assistance with these costs is provided under the Ontario Disability Support Program's Mandatory Special Necessities benefit.
To learn more about this program, please click the following link: Ontario’s “Health Benefits: Medical Supplies” page.
If you are receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works, you may be eligible to receive assistance with the cost of certain health benefits including incontinence supplies. Please refer to the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services website: www.mcss.gov.on.ca
If you are located in Saskatchewan, you may be eligible to receive funding through the Supplementary Health Program:
www.health.gov.sk.ca/supplementary-health-program
If you are receiving financial assistance from the Employment and Income Assistance program in Manitoba, you may be eligible to receive assistance with the cost of certain health benefits including incontinence supplies. Please refer to Manitoba Family Services and Labour: www.gov.mb.ca/fs/assistance/eia.html
The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps Albertans 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. https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-aids-to-daily-living.aspx
If you are located in British Columbia, the Ministry of Social Development may be able to provide you access to a range of incontinence medical services and supplies. Please refer to the following page to check whether you are eligible. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/social-development-poverty-reduction
Emploi-Québec offers three levels of social solidarity services: assistance to individuals, assistance and social support, and financial assistance. Financial assistance offers aid for individuals and families who lack sufficient income or who are living in specific difficult situations, which can include incontinence. Please refer to the following webpage to check your eligibility: https://www.emploiquebec.gouv.qc.ca/
The Health Services Ostomy/Incontinence Program assists clients of the Social Development department with coverage for ostomy, catheterization and incontinence supplies which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans. Please refer to the following webpage to check your eligibility: www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.8135.Health_Services_Ostomy__Incontinence_Program_.html
The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program is Health Canada's national, medically necessary health benefit program that provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies (including incontinence supplies) and equipment, short-term crisis intervention mental health counselling and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/nihb-ssna/benefit-prestation/newsletter-bulletin-eng.php#a81