Untitled

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of common benets and credits 2-3

Overview of tax benets and other income supports 4-5

ID requirements to access benets 6-7

Tax documents check list 8

Tax Credit and Deducons

Tax Credits and Deducons for Adults and/or Children with a Disability 10-11

Income Tax Deducons and/or Credits for Adults and Seniors 12-19

Income Tax Deducons and/or Credits for Seniors 20-22

Income Support Programs

Income Supports for Children 26-30

Supports for Adopted Children/Youth 31-32

Income Supports for Children with Special Needs 33-36

Income Supports for Adults 37-43

Ulity Assistance Programs 44-45

Income Supports for Adults with a Disability 46-47

Income supports for Students 48-50

Income Supports for Seniors 51-55

Asset Builders

Asset Builders for Adults 58-59

Asset builders for Children with a Disability 60-61

Asset Builders for Children 62-64

Other Resources

Renewal of Health Card 66

Revenue Canada Phone Numbers 67-68

Services in Leeds & Grenville 69-71

List of common benets and credits

Benefits and refundable tax credits help with your living expenses by adding to your income.

Whether you qualify and how much you receive depends on your income which is determined by

filing your taxes and other factors such as your age. The Government of Canada website has a

Benefit Finder tool that you can use to help find the benefits and services that you can receive.

See a list of some of the common benefits and credits

Benefits and credits accessed by tax filing

Even if you have no income or do not owe taxes, it is important to keep up to date with filing your

taxes. Filing a tax return is the only way to apply for many benefits and credits or to make sure that

your payments continue. Here are some of the benefits and refundable tax credits that require tax

filing to access or to continue receiving payment:

• Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and

Disability Supplement

• Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)

• Canada learning bond (CLB)

• Climate action incentive (CAI)

• GST/HST credit

• GST/HST rebate for employees and

partners

• Old age security (OAS)

• Ontario energy support program (OESP)

Ontario only

• Ontario trillium benefit (OTB) – Ontario

only

• Refundable medical expense supplement

• Other tax credits by province or territory

Social assistance programs

Each province and territory offer programs that provide financial help to people living on a low

Income. Social assistance programs give people money to help pay for living expenses like food,

clothing, and shelter, and in some cases prescription drugs and dental services. Each program has

their own eligibility criteria and restrictions. In general, you must live in the province or territory and

be in financial need

• Ontario Works (OW)

• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

List of common benefits

and credits cont..

Benefits and credits for special

groups

Some benefits and credits are eligible for

special groups, such as individuals with chil-

dren, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Families with children

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

• Canada Education Savings Grant

(CESG)

• Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

• Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

• Employment Insurance, Maternity and

Parental Benefits

Individuals with disabilities

• Canada Disability savings bond

(CDSB)

• Canada disability savings grant

(CDSG)

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability

Benefits

• Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

• Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

• Excise gasoline tax refund

• Registered Disability Savings Plan

(RDSP)

Seniors

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Retirement Pension

• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

• Old Age Security (OAS)

• Guaranteed Annual Income

What are tax credits and benefits?

Tax credits and benefits are financial sup-

ports provided by the government to help you

with living costs. They can reduce the tax that

you owe or add to your income. Read more

about the two types of tax credits (non-

refundable and refundable) and tax benefits

Non-refundable tax credits

Non-refundable tax credits are like coupons that

reduce the amount of tax that you have to pay.

Non-refundable tax credits can reduce your taxes

to zero, but you do not get money back if these

credits add up to more than the tax you owe. If

you do not owe any taxes, non-refundable tax

credits might not have much value for you. Even

so, it is still important to file your taxes and estab-

lish your income so that you can open access to

other financial supports.

Some examples of non-refundable tax credits in-

clude:

• Canada caregiver credit

• Disability tax credit

Refundable tax credits and benefits

Refundable tax credits not only reduce the

amount of tax that you owe but will pay you

money back if your credits add up to more than

the tax that you owe. Benefits are paid directly to

you to help with living expenses. You need to file

your taxes in order to claim these credits and

benefits and any money you get back will come

as a tax refund or as payments made to you sev-

eral times throughout the year.

Some examples of refundable tax credits and

benets include:

• Canada Child Benefit

• Canada Workers Benefit

• Climate Action Incentive

• GST/HST credit

Adult, Working Age Child Seniors

Adult Up to

17 years old

Young senior

(60-64)

Senior

(65 +)

Income Tax

Related Benet*

(accessed though

tax ling)

• GST/HST

• Canadian Workers Benet

• Home Buyers Amount

• Medical Expense

Supplement

• Canadian Child Benet

• Provincial child or family

benet program.

• GST / HST credit

• Medical Expenses

Supplement

• Home buyers amount

• GST / HST Credit

• Age Amount

• Pension Amount

• Home Buyers

Amount

Income

Supports*

(Other federal or

provincial income

programs with

eligibility based on

income)

• Employment Insurance (EI)

• Ontario Works (OW)

• Low Income Energy

Assistance (LEAP)

• Canada Pension Disability

• Canadian Child Benet

(CCB)

• Transion Child Benet

• Provincial Child and

Family benets programs

• Canada Pension Pro-

gram (CPP)

• Allowance for the

Survivor

• Ontario Energy

Support Program

(OESP)

• Ontario Works (OW)

• Old Age Security

(OAS)

• Guaranteed Income

Supplement (GIS)

• Ontario Guaranteed

Annual Income

Supplement (GAINS)

Asset building

• Registered Rerement

Savings Plan (RRSP)

•Tax Free Savings Account

(TFSA)

• CPP Contribuons

(Workplace)

• Registered Educaon

Savings Plan ( RESP)

• Canada Learning Bond

(CLB)

• Canada Educaon

Savings Grant ( CESG)

• Registered Disability

Savings Plan (RDSP)

• Registered Rere-

ment Savings Plan

(RRSP)

• Tax Free Savings

Account (TFSA)

• CPP Contribuons

(Workplace)

•Tax Free Savings

Account (TFSA)

Overview of Tax Benets and

other Income Supports

* Information in this Resources manual has

been adapted from material created by Prosper

Canada, Government of Canada, Government

of Ontario and various other ministries.

Benets for survivors People with disabilies

Adult Child Adult

Child

Income tax credits

& deducons

Related Benet*

(accessed though Tax

Filing)

• Disability Tax Credit

Cercate (DTC)

• Disability Amount

• Caregiver Amount

• Disability Support

Deducon

• Canada Workers Benet

(CWB)

• Disability Tax Credit

Cercate (DTC)

Income

Supports*

(Other federal or

provincial income

programs with

eligibility based on

income)

• Ontario Disability Support

Program (ODSP)

• Canada Pension Plan

Disability (CPP-D)

• Provincial workplace

safety wage-loss benets

due to injury (i.e. WSIB)

• Child Disability Benet

• Canada Child Benet (CCB)

• Transion Child Benet

• Assistance for Children

with Severe Disabilies

(ACSD)

• Provincial Child and Family

benets programs

• CPP Survivors

benets

• Allowance for the

Survivor (60-64)

• Workplace safety

benets (i.e. WSIB)

• CPP Survivors

benets ( 0-18 or 25)

• Workplace safety

benets (i.e. WSIB)

Asset building

• Registered Disability

Savings Plan (RDSP)

• Canada Disability Savings

Grant (CDSG)

• Canada Disability Savings

Bond (CDSB)

• Tax Free Savings Account

(TFSA)

• Canada Disability Learning

Bond (CLB)

• Canada Disability Savings

Grant ( CESG)

• Registered Disability

Savings Plan (RDSP)

Overview of tax-benets and other income supports

People with disabilities or a survivor

ID requirements to access benets

In order to apply for and access benefits, an individual must have a number of identification

documents.

**Note** not all benefits require documents from each category below, but different benefits

have their own requirements. Below are the categories of ID and examples of documents.

Proof of birth

Document with first name, last name and date

of birth:

• Birth certificate or birth registration

• Hospital record of birth or record of the

physician/ nurse/midwife who attended the birth

• Passport

• Record of landing or confirmation of permanent

residence issued by Immigration, Refugees and

Citizenship Canada

• Citizenship certificate- Note of decision or

temporary resident’s permit issued under the

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

• Certificate of Indian status card

• Provincial identity card-Note of decision or

temporary resident’s permit issued under the

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

• Certificate of Indian status card

• Provincial identity card

Proof of legal status

A document showing citizenship or immigration

status in Canada:

• Canadian birth certificate

• Citizenship card/certificate

• Confirmation document

• Record of landing, confirmation of permanent resi-

dence

• Permanent Resident Card

• Visitor Record

• Temporary resident permit

• Study Permit

• Notice of decision

• Verification of Status Document

• Registration date with Indigenous and

Northern Affairs Canada

Be aware:

Some people may have difficulty obtaining immigra-

tion papers due to inability to recall dates and infor-

mation, particularly if their arrival in Canada was

many years ago

Proof of housing situation

• Copy of rental/leasing agreement

• Letter from landlord

• Eviction notice

• Disconnection notice

• Police report

• Moving company quote or invoice

• Utility bills

Proof of residency in Canada

• Lease agreement

• Rent receipt

• Household bill (e.g. gas, electricity, cable television,

telephone)

• Driver’s license

• Vehicle registration or car insurance

• Membership in social or professional organizations

• Bank information (e.g. bank account

statements for saving or chequing accounts)

• Employment information (e.g. pay stub)

ID requirements to access benets

Proof of death

A document that provides the name, date, and

place of death. The document must also be on

official letterhead or contain a seal, and provide

the name and/or signature of the person or au-

thority issuing the

document.

• Burial certificate or death certificate

• Certification of death from another country

• Life or Group Insurance Claim along with a

statement signed by a medical doctor

• Medical Certification of Death

• Memorandum of Notification of Death issued by

the Chief of National Defence Staff

• Notarial copy of Letters of Probate

• Official Death Certificate

• Official Notification from the Public Trustee for a

Province

• Registration of Death

• Statement of a medical doctor, coroner, or

funeral director

• Statement of Verification of Death from the

Department of Veterans Affairs

Be aware:

Some papers obtained outside of Canada will

need to be translated.

Proof of residency in Ontario

A document that displays your name, current

home address and confirms that your primary

place of residence is in Ontario:

• Mortgage, rental or lease agreement

• Child Tax Benefit Statement

• Employer record (pay stub or letter from

employer on company letterhead)

• Income tax assessment (most recent)

• Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or life)

• Monthly mailed bank account statements for

savings or chequing accounts (does not include

receipts, bank

books, letters or automated teller receipts)

• Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (plate or vehicle

portions)

• Property tax bill

• School, college or university report card or

transcript

• Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works

• Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability

Support Program

• Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits

Paid T4E

• Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or

Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A

(P)

• Statement of Registered Retirement Savings

Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income

Fund (RRIF), or

Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan

(RHOSP) from a financial institution

• Utility bill received by mail (home telephone,

cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas,

water)

• Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence

• Temporary Driver’s Licence (you must also show

a photo license card with the same address)

• Workplace Safety and Insurance Board State-

ment of Benefits T5007

• Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution

• Valid Ontario Photo Card

Organize all your documents so

that you can get all the tax credits

and deductions. Here is a check-

list to assist you

Let’s Start!

(you will need your Social Insurance Number)

Slips

 T4 Slips – from all your employers

 T4 Slips – from all the businesses

 T4 E Slips – Employment Insurance

Benefits

 T4A – OAS – T4 AP (Old Age Security &

CPP)

 T2202A- Tuition.

 T3, T5, T5008 – Interest, dividends, mutual

funds.

 T50007- Statement of Benefits (OW, ODSP)

Any other information slip is to you.

 T5007 – Workers Compensation Benefits.

Receipts

 RRSP

 Professional union dues

 Oher employment

 Child, spouse or common law partner

support

 Medical expenses

 Charitable donations

 Home office equipment

 Adoption expenses

 Childcare expenses

 Teacher’s school supplies

 Political contributions

 Home renovations for disabled and senior

 Tool expenses

 Interest expenses, carrying charges

 Interest on student loan

 Professional certification exams



Documentation

 Previous year Notice of (Re)assessment

 Any outstanding matters with CRA

 Stocks and bonds – Sale or deemed sale

 Principle Residence sale documents if sold

 Real Estate – sale or deemed sale

 Unincorporated business – income and ex-

penses

 Disability Tax Credit Certificate

 T2201Farm or fishing – income and

expenses

 Foreign Employment Income, pay rolls

 Business use of vehicle, log and expenses

 Slips, and foreign Notice of Assessment

 T2200 – Conditions of employment

 Volunteer firefighter, search, and rescue

 Northern residents deductions receipts

 Volunteer’s certificate



 Ontario only Slips

Important to mention to your tax

preparer

 Change to your material status, legal name,

 Address or residency status

 If you owned assets more than $100,000

outside

 If you lived outside of Canada during the

year.

Tax Credit and Deducons

PROGRAM Page

Tax Credits and Deductions for Adults and/or Children with a Disability

Disability Tax Credit (DTC) 10

Amount for an Eligible Dependant 11

Amount for Infirm Dependants Age 18 and Over 11

Tuition, Education and Textbook Amounts Transferred from a Child 11

Other medical expenses that may be claimed 11

Income Tax Deductions and/or Credits for Adults and Seniors

Medical Expenses 12

Which medical expenses can you claim? 13

Refundable Medical Expense Supplement 14

GST/HST Credit 15

GST New Housing Rebate 16

Ontario Trillium Amount 17

Canada Workers Benefit 18

Home Buyers Amount 19

Income Tax Deductions and/or credits for Seniors

Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit 20

Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant 21

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-

refundable tax credit that helps persons with dis-

abilities or their supporting persons reduce the

amount of income tax they may have to pay. An

individual may claim the disability amount once

they are eligible for the DTC. This amount in-

cludes a supplement for persons under 18 years

of age at the end of the year.

How much could you receive?

The purpose of the DTC is to provide for greater

tax equity by allowing some relief for disability

costs, since these are unavoidable additional

expenses that other taxpayers don’t have to face.

Who is eligible for the DTC?

There are different ways for which a person can

be eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC). The

person must meet one of the following criteria:

• be blind

• be markedly restricted in at least one of the

basic activities of daily living

• be significantly restricted in two or more or

the basic activities of daily living (can

include a vision impairment)

• need life-sustaining therapy

In addition, the person's impairment must

meet all of the following criteria:

• be prolonged, which means the impairment

has lasted, or is expected to last for a con-

tinuous period of at least 12 months

• be present all or substantially all the time

(at least 90% of the time)

**The fact that a person has a job does not

disqualify that person from the disability tax

credit.**

What do I need to apply?

You are eligible for the DTC only if we ap-

prove Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit

Certificate. A medical practitioner has to fill

out and certify that you have a severe and

prolonged impairment and must describe its

effects. Answer a few questions to find out if the

person with the disability may be eligible.

What defines “markedly restricted”?

A person is markedly restricted if, they are

unable or takes an inordinate amount of time

to do one or more of the basic activities of daily

living, even with therapy (other than life-

sustaining therapy) and the use of appropriate

devices and medication. This restriction must be

present all or substantially all the time (at least

90% of the time).

What defines “Life-sustaining therapy”?

You must meet both of the following criteria:

• The therapy is needed to support a vital

function, even if it eases the symptoms.

• The therapy is needed at least 3 times per

week, for an average of at least 14

hours a week.

For more information:

You can obtain a paper copy of Guide RC4064,

Disability-Related Information and Form T2201:

Disability Tax Credit Certificate for your medical

practitioner; from the Volunteer Centre or by

calling us at 613-499-9393 You also can visit

the Canada Revenue Agency website at

www.cra.ca. or call 1-800-387-1193

Tax Credits and Deducons for Adults and/or

Children with a Disability

Amount for an Eligible Dependant (line 305): If you did not have a spouse or common- law partner

and you supported a dependant with whom you lived in a home you maintained you may be able to

claim this amount.

Amount for Infirm Dependants Age 18 and Over (line 306): You may be able to claim an amount

for a dependent child or grandchild if that child had an impairment in physical or mental function and

was born in 1997 or earlier. mount

Medical Expenses (lines 330 and 331): You can claim medical expenses at line 330 for your child

under the age of 18, yourself, your spouse or common law partner for any 12-month period ending in

the year. You can claim other eligible dependants for the same 12-month period at line 331.

Tuition, Education and Textbook Amounts Transferred from a Child (line 324): If the student

with a disability does not require these amounts, all or part of the unused amounts can be transferred

to you if you are the supporting parent or grandparent. A maximum of $5,000 minus the amount used

by the student can be transferred to you

Other medical expenses that may be claimed with a medical certificate or prescription

include:

• Devices or software designed to be used by people who are blind or have a severe learning

disability to enable them to read print-prescription needed.

• Note-taking services used by someone with a physical or mental impairment and paid to

someone in the business of providing these services. A medical practitioner must certify in

writing that these services are needed.

• School for people with an impairment in physical or mental functions. A medical

practitioner must certify in writing that the equipment, facilities or personnel specially provided

by that school are needed because of the person’s mental or physical impairment.

• Tutoring services that are above the primary education of a person with a learning disability or

Impairment in mental functions. The person receiving payment must be in the business of

providing tutoring services to others who are not related to the student. A medical practitioner

must certify in writing that these services are needed.

• Talking textbooks - in connection with enrolment at a secondary school in Canada or a

designated educational institution for a person who has a perceptual disability. A medical

practitioner must certify in writing that the expense is necessary.

• Therapy– the cost of therapy received by a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit

(DTC). Therapy must be provided by someone who is not the spouse or common-law partner of

the person who is claiming the expense. The person must be 18 years of age or older when the

amounts are paid. For a mental impairment, the therapy must be prescribed and supervised by

a medical doctor or a psychologist. For physical impairment, the therapy must be prescribed and

supervised by a medical doctor or an occupational therapist.

Income Tax Deducons and/or Credits for Adults

Medical Expenses; Line 33099

The medical expense tax credit is a

non-refundable tax credit that you can use to re-

duce the tax that you paid or may have to pay. If

you paid for healthcare expenses, you may be

able to claim them as eligible medical expenses

on your income tax and benefit return. These ex-

penses include a wide range of products, proce-

dures and services, such as:

• medical supplies

• dental care

• travel expenses

Generally, you can claim all amounts paid, even if

they were not paid in Canada. You can only claim

the part of an eligible expense for which you have

not been or will not be reimbursed

How do you claim medical expenses?

You can claim medical expenses on line

33099 or line 33199 of your tax return under Step

5 – Federal tax.

Line 33099 – You can claim the total eligible

medical expenses you or your spouse or common

-law partner paid for any of the following persons:

• yourself

• your spouse or common-law partner

• your or your spouse’s or common-law part-

ner’s children who were under 18 years of

age at the end of the tax year

Line 33199 – You can claim the part of eligible

medical expenses you or your spouse or common

-law partner paid for any of the following persons

who depended on you for support:

• your or your spouse’s or common-law

partner’s children who were 18 years of age

or older at the end of the tax year, or

grandchildren

• your or your spouse’s or common-law part-

ner’s parents, grandparents, brothers, sis-

ters, uncles, aunts, nephews, or nieces who

were residents of Canada at any time in the

year

What amount can you claim?

Line 33099 – You can claim the total of the eligi-

ble expenses minus the lesser of the following

amounts:

$2,397

• 3% of your net income (line 23600 of your

tax return)

Line 33199 – You can claim the total of the

eligible expenses minus the lesser of the

following amounts:

$2,397

• 3% of your dependant's net income (line

23600 of their tax return)

For which period can you claim these

expenses?

You can claim eligible medical expenses paid in

any 12-month period ending in 2020 and not

claimed by you or anyone else in 2019. For a

person who died in 2020, a claim can be made for

expenses paid in any 24-month period that in-

cludes the date of death if the expenses were not

claimed for any other year

For more information visit www.canada.ca or

call 1-800-959-8281. or call the

Volunteer Centre at 613-499-9393

Which medical expenses can you

claim?

• You can claim only eligible medical expens-

es on your tax return if you, or your spouse

or common-law partner:

• paid for the medical expenses in any 12-

month period

• did not claim them the previous year

Generally, you can claim all amounts paid, even if

they were not paid in Canada. For all expenses,

you can only claim the part of the expense that

you or someone else have not been and will not

be reimbursed for.

List of common medical expenses?

For a list of over 142 medical expenses that be

claimed visit www.cra.ca/medical-expenses

• types of medical expenses

• if the expense is eligible

• if you need any supporting documents

What documents do you need to support your

medical expenses claim?

• Receipts – Receipts must show the name

of the company or individual to whom the

expense was paid.

• Prescription – The List of common medical

expenses indicates if you need a prescrip-

tion to support your claim. A medical practi-

tioner can provide the prescription.

• Certification in writing – The List of com-

mon medical expenses indicates if you need

a certification in writing to support your

claim. A medical practitioner can provide the

certification.

• Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certifi-

cate – The List of common medical expens-

es indicates if you need to have this form

approved by the CRA for your claim. For

more information about this approval pro-

cess, see Disability Tax Credit.

If you need assistance filing your Income taxes

call the Volunteer Centre at 613-499-9393 or

visit or website at www.volunteercentre.ca

Refundable Medical Expense

Supplement

The refundable medical expense supplement is a

refundable tax credit available to working individ-

uals with low incomes and high medical expens-

es. You may be able to claim this credit if all of

the following conditions apply:

• You made a claim for medical expenses

on line 33200 of your tax return (Step 5 –

Federal tax) or for the disability supports

deduction on line 21500 of your tax return.

• You were resident in Canada throughout the

calendar year

• You were 18 years of age or older at the

end of the calendar year

Expenses you can claim

You may be able to claim as medical expenses

the salaries and wages paid to all employees who

do the following tasks or services:

• food preparation

• housekeeping services for a resident’s per-

sonal living space

• laundry services for a resident’s personal

items

• health care (registered nurse, practical

nurse, certified health care aide, personal

support worker)

• activities (social programmer)

• salon services (hairdresser, manicurist,

pedicurist) if included in the monthly fee

• security for a secured unit

If you are receiving attendant care services in

your home, you can only claim for the period

when you are at home and need care or help. For

an expense to be eligible as a medical expense,

you must either:

• be eligible for the disability tax credit

• have a written certification from a medical

practitioner that states the services are

necessary

Expenses you cannot claim – You cannot claim

the cost of any of the following:

• rent (except the part of rent for services that

help a person with daily tasks, such as

laundry and housekeeping)

• food

• cleaning supplies

• other operating costs (such as the

maintenance of common areas and outside

grounds)

salaries and wages paid to employees such as

administrators, receptionists, groundskeepers,

janitors (for common areas), and maintenance

staff

If you need more: information visit

www.canada.ca or call 1-800-959-8281.To

obtain a paper copy of the Disability-Related

Information Guide; call the Volunteer Centre

613-499-9393 or visit our website at

www.volunteercentre.ca

GST/HST credit

The goods and services tax/

harmonized sales tax (GST/HST)

credit is a tax-free quarterly payment

that helps individuals and families

with low and modest incomes offset

all or part of the GST or HST that

they pay. It may also include pay-

ments from provincial and territorial

programs. You are automatically

considered for the GST/HST credit

when you file your taxes.

How much you can expect to re-

ceive?

Your GST/HST credit payments are

based on the following:

• your family net income

• If you're single, the amount from line 23600

of your income tax return, or the amount that

it would be if you completed one

• If you have a spouse or common-law part-

ner, your net incomes are combined to get

your family net income

• the number of children under 19 years old

that you have registered for the Canada

child benefit and the GST/HST credit

Per year, you could get up to:

• $451 if you are single

• $592 if you are married or living common-

law

• $155 for each child under the age of 19

Who is eligible?

You are generally eligible for the GST/HST credit

if you are considered a Canadian resident for in-

come tax purposes the month before and at the

beginning of the month in which the Canada

Revenue Agency makes a payment. You also

need to meet one of the following criteria:

• you are at least 19 years old

• you have (or had) a spouse or common-law

partner

• you are (or were) a parent and live (or lived)

with your child

Parents in a shared custody situation may be eli-

gible for half of the GST/HST credit for that child.

This also applies to any related provincial and

territorial credit.

Go to Custody arrangements and your

benefits for more information. If, however, a

child welfare agency is legally, physically, or

financially responsible for a child, you are no t

generally eligible for the GST/HST credit for that

child.

How to apply?

In most cases, all you have to do to receive the

GST/HST credit each year is file your taxes,

even if you have no income to report.

New residents of Canada must complete a

form to apply for the credit

Complete one of the following forms:

• If you have children: fill out and sign Form

RC66, Canada Child Benefits Application to

apply for all child and family benefits, includ-

ing the GST/HST credit

• If you do not have children: fill out and

sign Form RC151, GST/HST Credit

Application for Individuals Who Become

Residents of Canada

• Mail the completed form to your tax centre

For more information: visit www.canada.ca or

call 1-800-959-8281. or call the Volunteer

Centre at 613-499-9393 ext. 23

GST/HST new housing rebate

The GST/HST new housing rebate allows

an individual to recover some of the GST or

the federal part of the HST paid for a new or sub-

stantially renovated house that is for use as the

individual's, or their relation's, primary place of

residence, when all of the other conditions are

met.

Eligibility for the GST/HST new housing rebate

You may be eligible for a new housing rebate for

some of the GST/HST paid if you are an individu-

al who:

purchased new or substantially renovated hous-

ing from a builder, including housing on leased

land (if the lease is for at least 20 years or gives

you the option to buy the land) for use as your (or

your relation’s) primary place of residence

• purchased shares in a co-operative housing

corporation (co-op) for the purpose of using

a unit in a new or substantially renovated

cooperative housing complex for use as

your (or your relation’s) primary place of res-

idence

• constructed or substantially renovated your

own home or hired someone else to con-

struct or substantially renovate your home

for use as your (or your relation’s) primary

place of residence, if the fair market value of

the house when the construction is substan-

tially completed is less than $450,000

If you are an individual who purchased a new or

substantially renovated mobile home (including a

modular home) or a new or substantially renovat-

ed floating home for use as your (or your rela-

tion’s) primary place of residence, you may be

eligible for a new housing rebate for some of the

GST/HST paid. In addition, for the purpose of

claiming the GST/HST new housing rebate, you

may have the option to treat the home as being

purchased from a builder or as being an owner-

built house.

GST/HST new housing rebates you can claim

The GST/HST new housing rebate allows an indi-

vidual to recover some of the GST or the federal

part of the HST paid for a new or substantially

renovated house that is for use as the individual's,

or their relation's, primary place of resi-

dence, when all of the other conditions are met. In

addition, other provincial new housing rebates

may be available for the provincial part of the

HST whether or not the GST/HST new housing

rebate for the federal part of the HST is available.

The new housing rebate is not available to a

corporation or a partnership.

Documents to include with the rebate

application and to keep for your records?

Documents you have to send

In most cases, you do not have to send support-

ing documents with your GST/HST new housing

rebate application. However, you do have to send

invoices with your worksheet if the vendor did not

charge the GST/HST on the invoice (photocopies

of these invoices will be accepted). The CRA may

contact you to ask for proof of occupancy. For

more information, see Guide RC4028, GST/HST

New Housing Rebate. Available at

www.voluntercentre.ca

Documents you have to keep

Keep a copy of the filled-out forms. You also have

to keep all your original invoices and documents

you used to fill out the forms for six years in case

the CRA asks to see them.

Only original invoices in the name of the claimant

or the co-owners are acceptable. The CRA does

not accept photocopies, credit card or Interac

slips, or account statements, without the original

invoices. The CRA does not accept estimates or

quotes as proof. If the CRA asks you to send your

invoices, they will be returned.

For more information visit :https://

www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/

Ontario Trillium Benefit

The Ontario Trillium Benefit combines the following three credits to help pay for energy costs as well

as sales and property tax:

• Northern Ontario Energy Credit

• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit

• Ontario Sales Tax Credit

You need to be eligible for at least one of the three credits to receive the benefit.

What you could receive

If you're single, you could receive a maximum of $158.

Families could receive a maximum of $243.

Northern Ontarians may also get more money through the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, you must be a resident of Northern Ontario on December 31, 2020, and at least one of the

following at some time before June 1, 2022:

• 18 years of age or older

• have or previously had a spouse or common-law partner

• a parent who lives or previously lived with your child

• and, in 2020, you:

rented or paid property tax for your main residence

lived on a reserve and paid for your home energy costs

lived in a public long-term care home (e.g., a seniors' home) and you paid for a portion of your

accommodation

Your eligibility also depends on where you live on the 1ST of each month. For example, if you live in

Sudbury on November 1, and move to London (Southern Ontario) at the end of November, you would

be eligible for the November NOEC payment, but you wouldn't be eligible for any subsequent pay-

ment.

How to apply?

If you're married or have a common-law partner

While the Ontario Sales Tax Credit component of the Ontario Trillium Benefit is paid to the person

whose return is assessed first, the Ontario Energy and Property Tax/Northern Ontario Energy Credit is

paid to the person who has applied for the credit(s) by completing Form ON-BEN. The payment will be

the same no matter who applies.

If you're turning 18 during the benefit year

If you turn 18 before June 2022, you should apply and file your tax return to be considered for the On-

tario Trillium Benefit.

How the benefit is paid

If you receive your income tax refund by direct deposit, you will receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit

payment(s) by direct deposit.

If you do not receive your tax refund by direct deposit, you will receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit

payments by mail on the 10th of each month, starting in July (e.g., if you file your income tax by April

30, you can start receiving your benefit payments in July).

For more Information: You can also visit the Canada Revenue Agency site for more information on

federal credits and benefits, or call 1-877-627-6645.

Canada Workers Benefit

The Canada workers benefit (CWB) is a refunda-

ble tax credit that provides tax relief for eligible

low-income individuals and families who are in the

workforce. The CWB includes a disability supple-

ment for individuals who have an approved Form

T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, on file

with the CRA. If you do not have a Form T2201 on

file, send your completed form to the CRA to see

if you qualify for the disability supplement.

How much you can expect to receive

$1,381 for single individuals The CWB payment is

gradually reduced when net income is more than

$13,064. No CWB is paid when net income is

more than $24,573.

$2,379 for families The CWB payment is

gradually reduced when family net income is more

than $17,348. No CWB is paid when the family

net income is more than $37,173.

Maximum payment for the disability

supplement is:

• $713 for single individuals The CWB

disability supplement is gradually reduced

when net income is more than $24,569. No

disability supplement is paid when net in-

come is more than $30,511.

• $713 for families The CWB disability

supplement is gradually reduced when

family net income is more than $37,176. No

disability supplement is paid when the

family net income is more than $43,118.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the Canada workers benefit

(CWB), you must be:

• a resident of Canada for income tax purpos-

es throughout the year

• 19 years of age or older on December 31

unless, on December 31, you have a spouse

or common-law partner, or an eligible dependant*

You are not eligible for the CWB if:

• You are enrolled as a full-time student at a

designated educational institution for more

than 13 weeks in the year

unless, on December 31, you have an

eligible dependant*

• You are confined to a prison or similar insti-

tution for a period of 90 days or more in the

year

• You do not have to pay tax in Canada, be-

cause you are an officer or servant of anoth-

er country, such as a diplomat, or you are a

family member or employee of such person

How to Apply

To apply for the Canada workers benefit, you

must:

• Complete Schedule 6, Canada

workers benefit (available in your certified

tax software and tax package)

• To apply for the disability supplement,

complete Step 3 in Schedule 6

• Enter on line 45300 of your income tax and

benefit return the amount from line 42 of

Schedule 6

• Send (file) your return to the Canada

Revenue Agency (CRA)

• If you prepare your return on paper, include

your completed Schedule 6, Can-

ada workers benefit, with your

return

For more information:

www.canada.ca/en/revenue-

agency/services/child-family-

benefits or call 1-800-387-1193

Home buyers' amount

You can claim $5,000 for the purchase of a

qualifying home in the year if both of the following

apply:

• you or your spouse or common-law partner

acquired a qualifying home

• you did not live in another home owned by

you or your spouse or common-law partner

in the year of acquisition or in any of the four

preceding years (first-time home buyer)

Does my home qualify ?

A qualifying home must be registered in your or

your spouse's or common-law partner's name in

accordance with the applicable land registration

system and it must be located in Canada. It in-

cludes existing homes and homes under

construction.

The following are considered qualifying

homes:

• single-family houses

• semi-detached houses

• townhouses

• mobile homes

• condominium units

• apartments in duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes,

or apartment buildings

A share in a co-operative housing corporation that

entitles you to own and gives you an equity inter-

est in a housing unit located in Canada also

qualifies. However, a share that only gives you the

right to tenancy in the housing unit does not quali-

fy.

You must intend to occupy the home, or you must

intend that the related person with a disability oc-

cupy the home, as a principal place of resi-

dence no later than one year after it is acquired.

Persons with disabilities

You do not have to be a first-time home buyer

if either of the following applies to you:

• you are eligible for the disability tax credit

• you acquired the home for the benefit of a

related person who is eligible for the disa-

bility tax credit

The purchase must be made to allow the person

with the disability to live in a home that is more ac-

cessible or better suited to their needs. For the

purposes of the home buyers' amount, a person

with a disability is a person who is eligible for the

disability tax credit for the year in which the home

is acquired.

You must intend to occupy the home, or you must

intend that the related person with a disability

occupy the home, as a principal place of resi-

dence no later than one year after it is acquired.

For more information visit www.cra.ca/or call

1-800-387-1193

Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit

The Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit will help you

make your home safer and more accessible, help-

ing you stay in your home longer.

• This tax credit will provide an estimated

$30 million in support to about

27,000 people, including:

• seniors who are 65 by the end of 2021

• people who live with senior relatives

What you’ll get

The Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit is

worth 25% of up to $10,000 in eligible expenses

for a senior’s principal residence in Ontario. The

maximum credit is $2,500.

Who is eligible

You are eligible if you are a senior or if you are

someone who has senior relatives living with you.

Example 1

Olga and Olaf are a senior couple. In 2021, they

complete and together pay for a

$10,000 renovation to make the ground floor of

their home safer.

To divide the benefit between them, Olga will

claim $7,500 on her 2021 personal income tax re-

turn and receive a Seniors’ Home Safety Tax

Credit of $1,875. Olaf will claim the remaining

$2,500 of the renovation cost and receive a credit

of $625.

Example 2

Hayley, in her late thirties,

has asked her senior moth-

er to move in with her.

In 2021, Hayley

spends $1,000 to add ac-

cessibility features to her

home.

She will claim that amount

on her 2021 personal

income tax return and re-

ceive a Seniors’ Home

Safety Tax Credit of $250.

Which expenses are

eligible

Expenses are eligible if they

are for home renovations

that improve safety and accessibility or help a

senior be more functional or mobile at home, for

example:

• grab bars and related reinforcements around

the toilet, bathtub and shower

• wheelchair ramps

• stair lifts

• elevators

• renovations to permit first floor occupancy or

a secondary suite for a senior

• Expenses must be paid or payable in 2021.

How to claim it

The Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit is a refund-

able personal income tax credit. This means that if

you’re eligible, you can get a tax credit regardless

of your income or whether you owe income taxes

for 2021.

You can claim the credit on your 2021 Income Tax

and Benefit Return.

To claim the tax credit, seniors or their family

members should get receipts from suppliers and

contractors, helping to ensure that vendors report

these amounts for tax purposes.

For more Information: please contact the Canada

Revenue Agency: by phone, at 1-800-959-8281

Or www.canada.ca

Income Tax Deducons and/or Credits for Seniors

Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant

The Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax

Grant helps low-to-moderate income seniors with

the cost of their property taxes.

What could you receive?

If you file your personal income tax and benefit

return annually and qualify for the grant, you could

get up to $500 each year depending on

your adjusted family net income.

Who is eligible?

You qualify for this grant if you or your spouse/

common-law partner, as of December 31 of the

previous year:

• paid Ontario property tax for the year

• met either of the following income require-

ments:

• you were single, divorced or widowed and

earned less than $50,000

• you were married or living common-law and

you and your spouse/common-law partner

earned a combined income of less than

$60,000

• owned and occupied your principal residence

• were 64 years of age or older

• were a resident of Ontario.

If you are single, separated, divorced or

widowed

You could get $500 if your adjusted family net

income for the previous year was $35,000 or less.

If your income is over $35,000 but less than

$50,000, your grant will be reduced by 3.33% of

your income over $35,000.

If you are married or living common-law

You could get $500 if your adjusted family net

income for the previous year was $45,000 or less.

If your income is over $45,000, your grant will be

reduced by 3.33% of your income over $45,000.

You do not qualify for the grant if your adjusted

family net income is $60,000 or more. Only one

person per couple can receive this grant.

You need to file your tax return to apply for this

grant, even if you don't have income to report. You

may qualify for the grant even if you do not owe

income tax.

How do I apply:

complete the ON-BEN application form (which is

part of your general income tax and benefit return)

1. report the amount of property tax you

paid on line 6112 on the ON-BEN applicaon

2. submit the ON-BEN applicaon form with your

completed return

How the grant is paid?

The grant is paid four to eight weeks after you re-

ceive your notice of assessment from the Canada

Revenue Agency (CRA). The CRA is transitioning

all benefit payments to direct deposit. If you al-

ready receive your income tax refund or other

benefits or credits by direct deposit, you will also

receive your OSHPTG payment by direct deposit.

Otherwise, you will receive your payment by

cheque.

To register for direct deposit:

use the CRA My Account service online, or

complete a direct deposit enrolment form and

send it to the CRA at:

Receiver General for Canada

P.O. Box 5000 Matane,

QC G4W 4R6

If you need help setting up direct deposit, visit

the Government of Canada website, or call

the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.

For information call the Volunteer Centre

613-499-9393 ext 21 or Minister of Finance Tax

Office 1866-668-8297

PROGRAM Page

Income Supports for Children

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) 26

Ontario Child Benefit 27

CPP Disability Benefits for Children under 25 28

Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy 28

Healthy Smiles Ontario 29

Ontario Child Care Tax Credit 30

Supports for Adopted Children/youth

Grant for Postsecondary Education 31

Health Supports 31

Financial Assistance for Adoption and Legal Custody Financial Support 32

Income Supports for Children with Special Needs

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD 33

Assistive Devices 34

Special Services at Home 35

Child Disability Benefit (CDB) 36

Income Supports for Adults

Ontario Works (OW) 37

Employment Insurance Benefits and Leave 38

Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits 39

EI Sick Benefits 40

EI Caregiver Benefits 41

Workers Compensation 42

Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime 43

PROGRAM Page

Utility Assistance Programs

Ontario Energy Support Program 44

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) 45

Energy Affordability Program (EAP) 45

Income Supports for Adults with a Disability

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) 46

Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) 47

Income supports for Students

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) 48

Student Access Guarantee 49

Current and Former individuals in Extended Society Care 49

Students with Disabilities 49

Indigenous Student Bursary 50

Ontario Indigenous Travel Grant 50

Income Supports for Seniors

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) 51

Old Age Security (OAS) 52

Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) 53

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 54

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program 55

Income Supports for Children

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada child benefit (CCB) is administered

by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is a tax

-free monthly payment made to eligible families to

help with the cost of raising children under 18

years of age. The CCB may include the child dis-

ability benefit and any related provincial and terri-

torial programs.

How much you could receive?

The maximum Canada child benefit you could get

is $6,765 per year for children under 6,

and $5,708 per year for children aged 6 to 17.

Your Canada child benefit is based on your

family income from the previous year, the

number of children in your care, and the age of

your children.

Who is eligible for Canada Child Benefit?

Are you eligible? To get the CCB, you must meet

all of the following conditions: You must live with

the child, and the child must be under 18 years of

age. You must be the person primarily responsi-

ble for the care and upbringing of the child

When should I apply?

You should apply for the Canada child benefit

(CCB) as soon as any of the following situations

happen:

• your child is born

• a child starts to live with you, or returns to

live with you after a temporary period with

someone else

• you begin, end, or change a shared

custody arrangement

• you get custody of a child

• you, or your spouse or common-law

partner, start to meet the eligibility

conditions under

Who can apply

• If the child started living with you more than

11 months ago, you will need to

provide additional documents.

How to apply?

1. Through birth registration—You can apply for

the CCB when you register the birth of your new-

born. In most cases, registration is done by paper

at the hospital or birthing centre.

2. Online through My account—If you didn't apply

for the CCB when you registered the birth of your

newborn, you can apply online using My Account

(your personal CRA account).

3 By Mail— Fill out and sign Form RC66,

Canada Child Benefits Application available at

the Volunteer Centre. Include any additional doc-

uments needed for the situations described below

4. Mail the form to your tax center

When I need to provide additional

documents?

• Male parent is primarily responsible for the

child

• Child's proof of birth is required

• Applying for a period that started more than

11 months ago

• You or your spouse or common-law partner

are newcomers or returning residents to

Canada

For more information visit: www.cra.ca.canada/

child/benefit or call Canada Revenue Agency at

1-800-387-1193

You can also contact the Volunteer Centre at

613-499-9393 or visit our website

www.volunteercentre.ca

CPP Disability Benefits for Children

under 25

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) children's

benefits provide monthly payments to the de-

pendent children of disabled or deceased CPP

contributors.

How much you can expect to receive?

The monthly children's benefit is a flat rate that is

adjusted annually. In 2019, the rate is $250.27

There are two types of CPP children's benefits:

• A disabled contributor's child's benefit – a

monthly payment for a child of the person

receiving a CPP disability benefit.

• A surviving child's benefit – a monthly pay-

ment for a child of the deceased contributor.

For the benefit to be paid, the deceased

contributor must have made sufficient

contributions to the CPP.

A maximum of two children’s benefits can be

paid to a child.

To be eligible, the child must be:

• the natural child of the contributor

• a child adopted “legally" or "in fact" by the

contributor while under the age of 21

• a child "legally" or "in fact" in the custody

and control of the contributor while under

the age of 21

A child may be eligible if the parent or

guardian:

• is receiving a CPP disability benefit (either

the disability pension or the post-retirement

disability benefit)

• has died and met the CPP contributory

requirements for a CPP death benefit

How do I apply?

Dependent children, or their parent or guardian,

should complete an application when any of the

following happens:

• a parent or guardian has applied for a

disability benefit (you do not have to wait for

the benefit to be approved before applying);

• when a child comes into the custody and

control of a parent or guardian who receives

a disability benefit;

• a parent or guardian dies.

You should apply as soon as possible. If you

delay, you might lose benefits. The Canada

Pension Plan can only make back payments for

up to 12 months.

What documents are required?

If you are applying for a child under age 18, you

must complete one of the following and in-

clude certified true copies of the required

documentation:

• For a child of a disabled contributor -

the Application for Benefits for Under Age

18 Children of a Canada Pension Plan

Disabled Contributor

• For a contributor applying for disability

benefits - section F of the Application for

Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits.

• For a child of a deceased contributor -

the Application for a Canada Pension Plan

Survivor's Pension and Child(ren)'s Benefits

• If you are a full-time student aged 18 to 25,

you must complete these forms and

include certified true copies of the required

documentation:

• Application for a Canada Pension Plan

Child's Benefit and

• Declaration of Attendance at School or

University

For more information: visit www.canada.ca/

services/benefits

Ontario Child Benet

The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) helps low-to-

moderate income families – whether they are

working or not – to provide for their children. The

Ontario Child Benefit supports about one million

children in over 500,000 families.

What you could receive?

The Ontario Child Benefit provides up to $1,461

per child per year depending on:

• your family net income

• the number of children in your care who are

under 18 years old

• If you are eligible, you will get a payment

each month.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) determines

your monthly payments. The amount you receive

depends on your adjusted family net income on

your annual income tax

Who is Eligible?

Depending on your family income, you may

qualify for the OCB, if you:

• are the primary caregiver of a child under 18

• are a resident of Ontario

• have filed and had assessed your previous

year's income tax return, and so has your

spouse or common-law partner, and

• have registered your child for the federal

Canada Child Tax Benefit

•

How to apply

To apply and receive the benefit you must apply

for the Canada Child Benefit. When you apply

for the Canada Child Benefit you are automatically

assessed for the Ontario Child Benefit.

For more information: The Canada Revenue

Agency by phone

Toll-free: 1-800-387-1193

TTY: 1-800-665-0354

Or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-

child-benefit

Ontario child care fee subsidy

Families can apply for the Ontario child care fee

subsidy. The cost of this program is shared by the

Ontario government, municipal governments and

First Nations communities.

What you could receive?

The amount you pay for child care depends on

your family's adjusted net income.

To calculate your net income:

take your net income amount on line 236 of the

Canada Revenue Agency personal income

tax form

Then subtract:

any federal Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB)

payments (the UCCB is not considered in

determining a family's child care fee subsidy)

Who is eligible?

You can apply if your child is under 13 years

old (or up to 18 years old if your child has special

needs and meets other criteria*) and in either:

• a licensed child care program (centre-based,

home-based or in-home services)

• a child enrolled in a “children's recreation

program”

• a camp

• a before- and after-school program operated

directly by a school board

How to apply?

The Ministry of Education provides funding for fee

subsidies. To apply for the child care subsidy or to

get more information about this program, please

contact:

United Counties of Leeds & Grenville—

Integrated Program Delivery Department

25 Central West, Suite 200

Brockville, ON K6V 4N6

Tel: (613) 342-3840 Ext. 2122 or 2372

Fax: (613) 342-8908

Toll Free: 1-800-267-8146

Email: cssadmins[email protected]

Website: www.uclg.ca

Healthy Smiles Ontario

Healthy Smiles Ontario is a government-funded

dental program that provides free preventive,

routine, and emergency dental services for

children and youth 17 years old and under from

low-income households.

The program includes regular visits to a licensed

dental provider and covers the costs of treatment

including:

• check-ups

• cleaning

• fillings (for a cavity)

• x-rays

• scaling

• tooth extraction

• urgent or emergency dental care (including

treatment of a child’s toothache or tooth

pain)

• Cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening

and braces, are not covered by the program.

Who is eligible to apply

You can apply for your children if they:

• are 17 years of age and under

• live in Ontario

• Meet the low income threshold.

Coverage period

Once your child is enrolled, they are covered:

up to one benefit year (August 1st of the current

year to July 31st of the following year), or

up to their 18th birthday. If your child turns 18

during the benefit year, they’re no longer eligible.

If your child is in the program for emergency or

essential care, they are covered for 12 months

from the date of enrolment. Clients receiving

emergency or essential care must re-enrol after

12 months.

How to enrol

You can enrol in the program online or by mail.

Once your child’s enrolment is confirmed, you will

get a Healthy Smiles Ontario dental card in the

mail. You must present your card to your dental

provider at each visit to receive services under

the program.

Before you start

Before you begin the online application, you

need:

• your child(ren)’s date(s) of birth

• a valid Ontario address

• your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or

Temporary Taxation Number (TTN)

• to have filed your taxes in the previous year

To apply by mail:

download, print and complete the application form

mail the completed form to:

Healthy Smiles Ontario

33 King Street West

PO Box 645

Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 8X1

You can also get an application form from

your local public health unit, Volunteer Centre or

at a ServiceOntario location.

If you have any questions, need to update your

account information or replace your dental card

(s), please contact the ServiceOntario INFOline:

Toll-free: 1-844-296-6306

Toll-free TTY: 1-800-387-5559

Your local public health unit can also help you

apply or find a dental provider. Please contact

them for information on preventive, emergency or

essential services.

 
31 
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit 
The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit (known as    
Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from   Ex-
penses (CARE) Tax Credit) will put more money 
in the pockets of families and provide the flexibility 
they need to choose the child care options that 
work best for them. 
Eligible families can claim up to 75% of their      
eligible child care expenses, including services 
provided by child care centres, homes and camps. 
You can claim this tax credit when you file your 
personal income tax return. 
How much you can receive 
Families could receive up to: 
•  $6,000 per child under the age of seven 
•  $3,750 per child between the ages of seven 
and 16 
•  $8,250 per child with a severe disability 
The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is calculated as 
a percentage of your Child Care Expense Deduc-
tion. The Child Care Expense Deduction provides 
provincial and federal income tax relief toward  
eligible child care expenses. 
 
Who is eligible  
The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit supports     
families with incomes up to $150,000, particularly 
those with low and moderate incomes. Learn how 
the credit is calculated. 
To claim the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit, you 
must: 
be eligible to claim the Child Care Expense De-
duction 
•  have a family income less than or equal to 
$150,000 
be an Ontario resident at the end of the tax year 
 
Eligible expenses 
Child care expenses that are eligible for the Child 
Care Expense Deduction will also be eligible for 
the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit.  
•  Eligible expenses include: 
•  caregivers providing child care services 
•  day nursery schools and child care centres 
•  boarding schools, overnight sports schools 
or camps where lodging is involved 
•  educational institutions (for the part of fees 
that relate to child care only) 
•  day camps and sports schools where the   
primary goal of the camp is to care for       
children 
 
Ineligible expenses include: 
• medical or hospital care, clothing or             
transportation costs 
• fees related to education costs at an             
educational institution (such as tuition) 
• fees for leisure or recreational activities (such 
as tennis lessons) 
• child care services provided by the eligible 
child's parent or a person under 18 years of 
age who is connected by a blood relationship 
(such as a sibling) 
How to claim 
You can claim the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit 
when you file your tax return. 
You must keep the receipts for child care ex-
penses incurred throughout the year. 
How the tax credit is calculated 
The amount you could receive is calculated us-
ing your Child Care Expense Deduction, mul-
tiplied by the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit 
rate that is based on your family income (that 
is, the incomes of family members used in de-
termining your Child Care Expense Deduc-
tion). 
For more information: Contact the Canada     
Revenue Agency If you have questions about the 
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit, please contact 
Canada Revenue Agency's: Tax services offices 
and tax centres 
Individual tax enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281 
More information is also available on the Canada 
Revenue Agency website. 
For help filing your taxes contact the                         
Volunteer Centre at 613-499. 9393 ext 21 

Support for adopted youth

Youth who were adopted from extended society

care may be eligible for financial support to help

with costs of postsecondary education and health

benefits.

Grant for postsecondary education

Youth who were in extended society care and

other youth 21 to 24 years old who left the care of

a children’s aid society who are pursuing

postsecondary education may be eligible for

financial assistance through the Living and

Learning Grant (LLG) Youth can get $2,000 a

semester of full-time postsecondary studies to a

maximum of $6,000 per academic year up to a

maximum of four academic years.

Who is eligible

Youth must be enrolled full-time in an Ontario Stu-

dent Assistance Program at an institution ap-

proved for Ontario Student Grant and Ontario Stu-

dent Loan purposes and meet at least one of the

following requirements.

Option 1

Youth either:

• have received a continued care and support for

youth allowance (CCSY) from an Ontario Chil-

dren’s Aid Society when they were 18, 19 and

• would have been eligible to receive the con-

tinued care and support for youth allowance

Option 2

Youth:

• were in extended society care with an Ontario

Children’s Aid Society

• were adopted on or after August 1, 2013

will be or were between 18 and 24 when you

start postsecondary studies

Health benefits

Youth formerly in extended society care and youth

adopted from extended society care who do not

have access to health benefits through their em-

ployer, adoptive parents or a spouse’s plan may

be eligible for the Aftercare Benefits Initiative

(ABI).

ABI provides eligible youth from care between

the ages of 21 to 24 with access to:

• prescription drug coverage

• dental benefits

• extended health service

• employee assistance-type benefits

The ABI program is also available to a former child

in extended society care between the ages of 18

to 24 (for four consecutive years), who was

adopted on or after June 1, 2016.

The program also provides counselling and life

skills support services to ABI plan members up to

their 29th birthday.

ABI is funded by the Ministry of Children,

Community and Social Services and administered

by the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid

Societies.

For more information visit: ww.ontario.ca/page/

adoption-services-and-supports or call The

Ministry of Children, Community and Social

Services at 416-325-5666

Toll-free: 1-888-789-4199

Supports for Adopted Children,

Youth and Families

Financial Assistance for Adoption and

Legal Custody Financial support

The Children’s Aid Societies (CASs) provide

supports to families who give children in their

care a home through adoption, legal custody, kin-

ship and customary care. Additional financial help

is given to eligible families who are adopting or

taking legal custody of children in Extended Soci-

ety Care who are siblings or 8 years of age or

older.

The amount is $1,035 per month tax-free for each

child. Eligible families who adopt or take legal

custody of siblings or older children in extended

society care will receive subsidies from a chil-

dren’s aid society to help with the cost of care.

You will receive $1,035 per month or $12,420

annually for each eligible child up until the child

turns 21. You must apply to your society for the

subsidy.

To be eligible, families must:

• have a combined net family income of

$93,700 or less

• adopt or take legal custody of a child in ex-

tended society care who is eight years old or

older

• adopt or take legal custody of two or more

children in extended society care who are

siblings

• To learn more, contact your local children’s

aid society.

Subsidies for adopted children with identified

and special needs

Your family may be eligible for financial support to

help cover your child’s medical needs and other

needs if you are unable to pay for those costs.

Your children’s aid society will evaluate your

child’s needs on a case-by-case basis to deter-

mine if you are eligible for financial support.

For more information contact:

Family and Children services of Lanark, Leeds

& Grenville. 613-498-2100

Or visit www.fcsllg.ca

Income Supports for Children with Special

Needs

Children and youth with special needs

have medical, emotional, developmental,

mental or behavioural problems that re-

quire ongoing help and support. Ontario

has a number of provincial programs and

the federal government has various tax

deductions, credits and benefits available

to help families and caregivers of children

and youth with special needs. The follow-

ing pages outlines the main sources of

financial help, and provides some tax

information.

Assistance for Children with Severe

Disabilities (ACSD)

If you are a parent caring for a child with a severe

disability, you may be able to receive financial

support through the Assistance for Children with

Severe Disabilities Program. This program

provides financial support for low- to moderate-

income families to cover some of the extra costs

of caring for a child who has a severe disability.

How much you can expect to receive?

Depending on the income and size of the family,

the program may provide between $25 and $500

a month to help with costs, such as:

• travel to doctors’ appointments, hospitals

and other appointments related to the child’s

disability

• special shoes and clothes

• parental relief such as respite

• wheelchairs and other assistive devices, in-

cluding repairs

• hearing aids and batteries

• prescription drugs

• dental and vision care, including eyeglasses

Who is eligible for the (ACSD)?

A parent or a legal guardian whose child: is under

18 years of age, lives at home, and has a severe

disability may be eligible to receive help under this

program depending on the family's income.

How much a family receives will depend on:?

• the family's income

• the size of the family,

• the severity of the disability and

• the extraordinary costs related to the child’s

disability

How to apply

• The program is funded by the Ministry of

Children, Community and Social Services.

• Contact your local regional office and ask for

an application form.

• Complete the application form and return it

to the regional office along with any

documentation asked for.

• A Special Agreements Officer will review

your application and will contact you if they

need more information.

• You will receive a letter saying whether or

not you qualify for a grant and, if so, how

much you will receive.

For more information: Call the Ministry of

Community and Social Services at

Tel: 416-325-5666 Toll-free: 1-888-789-4199 or

visit; www.ontario.ca/disability_benefits

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 equip-

ment or supplies

How to apply

• Find out more about how to qualify, apply

and find a vendor for these types of equip-

ment and supplies:

• mobility aids

• hearing aids and other devices

• communication aids

• visual aids

• diabetic equipment and supplies

• respiratory equipment and supplies

• home oxygen therapy

• artificial eyes and facial prosthetics

• custom orthotic braces, compression

garments and lymphedema pumps

• prosthetic breasts or limbs

• enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies

Mobility aids

• all-terrain vehicles

• commodes or commode chairs

• non-wheeled walkers

• positioning devices not required for use with a

wheelchair

• most rental of equipment (see respiratory cate-

gory for apnea-monitor rental)

• recliner chairs

• standard walking canes

• transport chair

• adaptives tricycles

• wheelchair lifts

• wheelchair ramps

Hearing aids and other devices

• anti-stuttering devices

• call bells

• environmental control units

• telephones (regular and adaptive)

Visual aids

• braille watches

• GPS systems

• regular eyeglasses

• scleral contact lenses

• talking clocks and calculators

Diabetes equipment and supplies

continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and related

supplies

Respiratory equipment and supplies

• dental/oral appliances for treatment of obstruc-

tive sleep apnea (OSA)

• high-frequency chest wall oscillation airway

clearance device

• humidifier (standalone)

• peak flow metre

• replacement masks, headgear, etc. for continu-

ous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines

• Adaptive Servo-Ventilator (ASV)

• spirometres (including micro-spriometre)

• stethoscopes

• valved-holding chambers or spacer devices

• nighttime-use-only orthoses

• orthopaedic shoes (even those custom-made)

and modifications

• post-operative support braces

• shoe inserts

For more information : Call 416-327-8804

Toll-free: 1-800-268-6021

0r visit www.ontario.ca

Special Services at Home

Families who are caring for a child with a

developmental and/or physical disability can apply

to the special services at home program to get

funding for primary caregiver relief and related

supports or for activities of personal growth or de-

velopment including camps and recreational

activities, like swimming and music classes.

Respite enhances the primary caregiver’ capacity

to provide care for the child with a disability living

at home through the provision of indirect assis-

tance. Indirect assistance can help provide relief

to the primary caregiver so that they may take

some time away from caregiving, or from one or

more of their other responsibilities such as

cooking, housekeeping and grocery shopping.

The amount of funding you receive

depends on

• the type and amount of service your child

needs

• what other help is available in your

community

• what kind of support you already receive

Who you can hire to provide support

You can:

• hire a worker directly

• work with an agency to purchase supports

from the workers they employ

• hire a family member who is over the age of

18 and not the primary caregiver, parent,

step-parent or spouse

Who is eligible

You can apply for this support if your child:

has a developmental and/or physical disability

lives in Ontario

• is under the age of 18

• needs more support than you can provide

• lives at home with you, or is not living at

home with you and is not being helped by

other residential services.

Eligible expenses

• mainstream camp and recreation programs

• specialized camp and recreation programs

• advertising for recruitment of a special ser-

vices worker

• special services or a support worker to pro-

vide respite and/or personal development

• travel costs associated with transporting

special needs child for the worker

• basic supplies to implement a program for

the special needs child (for example, flash

cards)

• membership fees for special needs

associations (for example, Special

Olympics, Down Syndrome Association)

• 1 on 1 support worker at camp or

recreational program

• training for a family member or worker that

enhances the understanding of the child with

a disability’s needs

• extraordinary cost of childcare (for children

aged 12 and above)

• nursing for medically fragile children

• routine homemaking tasks – light house-

cleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grass

cutting, and snow removal

• gym membership fees for the special needs

child

• daycare and nursery school as respite or if

recommended for socialization

How to apply

• Review the program guidelines.

• Download and complete an application form.

• Attach a medical statement or psychological

assessment to your application. It should include:

a description of the disability explanation of why

you need the services how much it will cost

Mail the completed application form and the

medical assessment to your nearest regional

office.

Ministry of Community and Social Services

347 Preston Street

3rd floor

Ottawa ON K1S 2T7

Tel: (613) 234-1188

Fax: (613) 783-5958

Toll Free: 1-800-267-5111

Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

The child disability benefit is a tax-free monthly pay-

ment made to families who care for a child under age

18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in

physical or mental functions.

How much you can expect to receive?

Your child disability benefit payments are calculated

using the following information:

• number of eligible children

• adjusted family net income (AFNI)

• marital status

Every July, your child disability payments are

recalculated based on your AFNI from the previous

year. You could get up to $2,886 ($240.50 per

month) for each child who is eligible for the disability

tax credit.

Who is eligible for the CDB?

• To get the child disability benefit:

• You must be eligible for the Canada child

benefit

• Your child must be eligible for the disability tax

credit

If you are already getting the Canada child benefit for

your child who is eligible for the disability tax

credit, you do not need to apply for the child disability

benefit. You will get it automatically.

To continue getting benefits

• You must remain eligible for the Canada child

benefit and your child must also remain eligible

for the disability tax credit.

• To avoid delays or interruption in your benefit

payments, you need to do your taxes every

year, even if you had no Income at all or your

income is tax exempt.

• If you have a spouse or common-law partner,

they also need to do their taxes every year. The

CRA uses the information from your income tax

and benefit return to calculate your benefit and

credit payments.

• To make sure you are getting the right amount

of benefits and credits, you must also keep your

personal information updated with the CRA.

For more information: on the Child Disability

Benefit, call 1-800-387-1193 or for information related

to the disability tax credit, call 1-800-959-8281. you

can also visit; www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/

disability. If you need help filing your taxes contact

the Volunteer Centre at 613-499-9393

Income Supports for Adults

Ontario Works (OW)

If you don’t have enough money for food and

housing, or if you have a disability and are in fi-

nancial need, you can apply for financial and em-

ployment assistance through Ontario Works

What you could receive?

Ontario Works offers two types of assistance:

• help with the essential costs of living (such

as food, clothing and housing) and health

benefits for clients and their eligible family

members

• help to find and keep a job (such as work-

shops for resume writing, job counselling,

job-specific training and basic education)

If you are eligible for Ontario Works, the amount

of money you get will depend on your specific sit-

uation. In most cases, you must participate in em-

ployment-related activities to get financial help.

If you are eligible for Ontario Works you could

receive:

• $733 a month for basic needs and shelter

• additional amounts for benefits and other

family members who live with you

What documents do I need to apply?

Make sure all family members included in your

application are with you when you fill out the form

so they can provide their consent and confirm

their information.

Have your family’s identification and tax docu-

ments ready, such as:

• social insurance numbers (SIN)

• OHIP cards

• birth certificates

• immigration papers

• tax returns

• banking information

Step 1: fill in your personal information

You will be asked to fill out your family’s:

• full names, dates of birth and status in Can-

ada

• address

• housing costs

• email addresses (for all family members 18

and older)

• total monthly income and assets

• other expenses, such as child care

• bank account information (if you have one)

to get your payment quickly through direct

bank deposit

Step 2: Ontario Works reviews your

application

A caseworker from your local Ontario Works

office will call you within four business days

of submitting your application to schedule an

appointment. This does not include weekends

and holidays.

Step 3: meet with Ontario Works

Meet with a caseworker for your verification ap-

pointment.

The caseworker might ask you to provide more

information, like copies of bills or other docu-

ments, so we can verify the information you in-

cluded in your application.

You will be also be asked to sign your application

package, including a consent form to allow Ontar-

io Works to access information about you from

other government programs or organizations

Step 4: get approved and receive your

payment

Once the caseworker receives all the information

they need, they will tell you within four business

days if your application has been approved and

how much you can expect to get.

If your application is approved, your local Ontario

Works office will advise when you can expect

your first payment by direct deposit or cheque.

Step 5: meet with your caseworker

Your caseworker will contact you to schedule an

appointment to develop a plan for you to partici-

pate in employment-related activities, unless you

have specific circumstances that prevent this,

such as an illness or caregiving responsibilities.

For more information: visit www.ontario.ca/

page/social-assistance. or call

(613) 345-4101 1-800-267-8146 (Toll free)

Employment Insurance (EI) provides regular

benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through

no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage

of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are availa-

ble for and able to work, but can't find a job.

Always apply for EI benefits as soon as you stop

working. You can apply for benefits even if you

have not yet received your Record of Employment

(ROE). If you delay filing your claim for benefits for

more than four weeks after your last day of work,

you may lose

How much you could receive

We cannot tell you exactly how much you will receive

before we process your application. For most people,

the basic rate for calculating EI benefits is 55% of your

average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum

amount. As of January 1, 2021, the maximum yearly

insurable earnings amount is $56,300. This means

that you can receive a maximum amount of $595 per

week.

How long you could receive EI regular benefits

You can receive EI from 14 weeks up to a maximum

of 45 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in

your region at the time of filing your claim and the

amount of insurable hours you have accumulated in

the last 52 weeks or since your last claim, whichever

is shorter.

Family supplement

• If your net family income does not exceed

$25,921 per year, you have children and your

spouse receives the Canada Child Benefit, you

are considered a member of a low-income fami-

ly. Therefore, you may be eligible to receive

the EI family supplement.

The family supplement rate is based on:

• your net family income up to a maximum of

$25,921 per year; and

• the number of children in the family and their

ages.

Who is eligible?

You may be entitled to Employment Insurance (EI)

regular benefits if you:

• were employed in insurable employment;

• lost your job through no fault of your own;

• have been without work and without pay for at

least seven consecutive days in the last 52

weeks;

• have worked for the required number of insura-

ble employment hours in the last 52 weeks or

since the start of your last EI claim, whichever is

shorter;

• are ready, willing and capable of working each

day;

• are actively looking for work (you must keep a

written record of employers you contact, includ-

ing when you contacted them).

To complete the online EI application for EI regular

benefits, you will need the following personal infor-

mation:

• your Social Insurance Number (SIN). If

your SIN begins with a 9, you need to supply

proof of your immigration status and work per-

mit.

• your mother’s maiden name.

• your mailing and residential addresses, including

the postal codes.

• your complete banking information to sign up for

direct deposit, including the financial institution

name, bank branch number, and account num-

ber

• names, addresses, dates of employment, and

reason for separation for all your employers over

the last 52 weeks

• your detailed version of the facts (if you quit or

have been dismissed from any job in the last 52

weeks)

• the dates, Sunday to Saturday, and earnings for

each of your highest paid weeks of insurable

earnings Footnote1 in the last 52 weeks or since

the start of your last EI claim, whichever is the

shorter period. This information will be used,

along with your record(s) of Employment, to cal-

culate your benefit rate

How to apply

If Service Canada needs more information about your

claim and cannot reach you by phone, a Service

Canada agent will send you a toll-free number by

email, asking you to call an agent.

For more information: www.canada.ca/en/services/

benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/apply

Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218

TTY: 1-800-529-3742. The hours of operation are

8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time, Monday to Friday.

Employment Insurance benefits and leave

Employment Insurance Maternity and

Parental benefits

Provides financial assistance to:

• people who are away from work because they're

pregnant or have recently given birth

• parents who are away from work to care for their

newborn or newly adopted child

Maternity benefits

Maternity benefits are only available to the person

who is away from work because they're pregnant or

have recently given birth. They cannot be shared be-

tween parents.

The person receiving maternity benefits may also be

entitled to parental benefits.

Parental benefits

Parental benefits are available to the parents of a

newborn or newly adopted child.

• You must choose between 2 options:

• Standard parental benefits

• Extended parental benefits

• Your choice determines the number of weeks

and the weekly amount you'll receive.

• If sharing, each parent must choose the same

option and submit their own application. Par-

ents can receive their weeks of benefits at the

same time or one after another.

Eligibility period

Maternity

You can start receiving maternity benefits as early as

12 weeks before your due date or the date you give

birth. You cannot receive these benefits more than 17

weeks after your due date or the date you gave birth,

whichever is later.

Paternity:

You can receive parental benefits within specific peri-

ods starting the week after your child's date of birth or

the date your child is placed with you for the purpose

of adoption.

These periods are:

• Standard parental: within 52 weeks (12

months)

• Extended parental: within 78 weeks (18

months)

How to apply

Apply as soon as possible after you stop working. If

you wait more than 4 weeks after your last day of

work to apply, you may lose benefits. Applications

must be done online at

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-

maternity-parental/apply

What you need to apply

• Complete the online application

• Make sure you have the following information to

complete your application:

• The names and addresses of your employers in

the last 52 weeks

• The dates you were employed with each em-

ployer and the reasons you're no longer em-

ployed with them

• Your detailed explanation of the facts if you quit

or were dismissed from any job in the last 52

weeks

• Your full mailing address and your home ad-

dress, if they are different

• Your social insurance number (SIN)

• The SIN of any other parent if you plan to share

benefits

• Your mother's maiden name

• The expected or actual date of birth of your

child

• The date your child was placed with you for the

purpose of adoption and the full name and ad-

dress of the agency handling the adoption

• Your banking information, including financial

institution, branch (transit) number and your

account number, to sign up for direct deposit

When payments start

You'll receive your first payment about 28 days after

you apply if you're eligible and have submitted all re-

quired information. If you're not eligible, we'll notify

you of the decision made about your application.

Waiting period

Before you start receiving benefits, there is one week

for which you won't be paid. We call this the waiting

period. It's like the deductible that you must pay for

other types of insurance.

• If you apply for both maternity and parental

benefits, you only need to serve the waiting pe-

riod once.

EI Sick Benefits

Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits can pro-

vide you with up to 15 weeks of financial assistance if

you cannot work for medical reasons. You could re-

ceive 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $595

a week.

You must get a medical certificate to show that you’re

unable to work for medical reasons. Medical reasons

include illness, injury, quarantine or any medical con-

dition that prevents you from working

How much can you receive

Up to 15 weeks of sickness benefits are available. The

number of weeks of benefits you get depends on how

long you’re unable to work for medical reasons. You

could receive 55% of your insurable earnings* up to a

maximum of $595 a week. The amount you receive

depends on your insurable earnings before taxes in

the past 52 weeks or since the start of your last claim,

whichever is shorter.

Do you qualify

The information below should be used as a guideline.

We encourage you to apply for benefits as soon as

possible and let a Service Canada agent determine if

you're eligible.

• You need to demonstrate that:

• you're unable to work for medical reasons

• your regular weekly earnings from work have

decreased by more than 40% for at least one

week

• you accumulated 600 insured hours* of work in

the 52 weeks before the start of your claim or

since the start of your last claim, whichever is

shorter

To receive sickness benefits, you’ll need to get a

medical certificate showing that you’re unable to

work for medical reasons.

Medical certificates

You need to get a medical certificate signed by a med-

ical practitioner when you apply for Employment Insur-

ance (EI) sickness benefits. You have 2 options. You

can ask your medical practitioner to complete and sign

one of the following:

Service Canada’s Medical certificate for Employ-

ment Insurance sickness benefits or their own

medical certificate form. This certificate must:

• be readable

• contain your medical practitioner’s letterhead or

official stamp

• indicate your name

• contain the start date and expected duration (if

known) of your incapacity due to illness, injury or

quarantine

• contain your

medical

practitioner’s

handwritten,

electronic or

stamped

signature

Who can complete and sign your medical certifi-

cate?

Here is a list of medical practitioners who can com-

plete and sign your medical certificate. They must

practise in Canada or the United States and the illness

they’re treating must be in their field.

• medical doctor

• chiropractor

• optometrist

• psychologist

• dentist

• midwife (except Prince Edward Island and Yu-

kon)

• nurse practitioner (except Yukon)

• registered nurse (in isolated areas when a doc-

tor is unavailable)

Once you have your medical certificate, keep it in a

safe place. We’ll let you know if you need to submit it

to Service Canada. Keep it for 6 years in case we re-

quire it later.

If your family income is $25,921 or less

You may be eligible to receive the family supplement if

you meet the following conditions:

• your annual net family income is $25,921 or less

• you have at least one child under 18

• you or your spouse receive the Canada Child

Benefit

• Service Canada automatically adds your family

supplement to your weekly benefit payments.

You don't need to take any action. Your total

weekly amount cannot exceed $595.

How to apply

Apply as soon as possible after you stop working. If

you wait more than 4 weeks after your last day of work

to apply, you may lose benefits.

For more information or to apply visit https://

www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-

sickness/apply

Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218

TTY: 1-800-529-3742

The hours of operation are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local

time Monday to Friday.

Workers Compensation Insurance Board

(WSIB)

We provide wage-loss benefits, medical coverage

and support to help people get back to work after a

work-related injury or illness.

We are funded by premiums paid by Ontario

businesses. We provide no-fault collective liability

insurance and access to industry-specific health

and safety information.

If you are injured or become ill at work

1. Get medical help — Get first aid right away

If you need further treatment, go to a health

professional. Your employer pays for your

transportation on the day of injury

2. Document — Tell your employer about any

medical treatment you received as soon as

possible and let them know about any addi-

tional information you received about your

injury or illness.

3. Report to the WSIB

Report your injury or illness if:

• you need treatment from a health profession-

al (beyond first aid), or

• you aren’t able to go to work, or

• you are being paid less or receiving fewer

hours of work

4. Work together

It’s important that you stay in touch with each other

and the WSIB.

Workplace fatality or critical incident

• Businesses must notify the Ministry of

Labour, Training and Skills Development if

anyone – whether they are an employee or

not – is critically injured or killed at your

workplace.

• If you have a family member or employee

who has been involved in a fatality or critical

incident, call us toll-free at 1-800-387-0750,

Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We can provide a Crisis Intervention

Counsellor to help.

• We also provide support through

the Fatalities and Immediate Response

(FAIR) Partnership, which is a joint sponsor-

ship between the Ministry of Labour, Training

and Skills Development, Threads of Life,

Office of the Worker Adviser and the WSIB.

Head Office

200 Front Street West

Toronto, Ontario M5V 3J1

Telephone: 416-344-1000

www.wsib.ca/en/contact-us

EI Caregiving Benefits and Leave

Through Employment Insurance, you could receive fi-

nancial assistance of up to 55% of your earnings, to a

maximum of $595 a week. These benefits will help you

take time away from work to provide care or support to

a critically ill or injured person or someone needing end-

of-life care. As a caregiver, you don’t have to be related

to or live with the person you care for or support, but

they must consider you to be like family.

How much you could receive

Service Canada cannot tell you exactly how much you

will receive until your application is processed. For most

people, the basic rate used to calculate Employment

Insurance (EI) benefits is 55% of average insurable

weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. In 2021,

the maximum amount is $595 a week.

The 3 types of caregiving benefits

1. Family caregiver benefit for children— up to 35

weeks—A Critically ill or injured person under 18

2. Family caregiver benefit for adults —up to 15

weeks —A critically ill or injured person 18 or

over

3. Compassionate care benefits—up to 26 weeks

—A person of any age who requires end-of-life

care

You can receive benefits during the 52 weeks following

the date the person is certified by a medical doctor or

nurse practitioner to be critically ill or injured or in need

of end-of-life care. You can take the weeks of benefits

within this timeframe either all at once or in separate

periods. The weeks of benefits can be shared by eligi-

ble caregivers, either at the same time or one after

another.

Who is eligible?

The information provided below should be used as a

guideline. You are encouraged to apply for benefits and

allow a Service Canada representative to determine if

you are eligible.

You will need to demonstrate that:

• You are a family member of the person who is

critically ill or injured or needing end-of-life care,

or you are considered to be like a family member

• Your regular weekly earnings from work have de-

creased by more than 40% for at least one week

because you need to take time away from work to

provide care or support to the person

• You accumulated 600 insured hours of work in the

52 weeks before the start of your claim, or since

the start of your last claim, whichever is shorter.

For example, 600 hours is equivalent to 15 weeks

of work at 40 hours per week .

• A medical doctor or nurse practitioner has certi-

fied that the person you are providing care or sup-

port to is critically ill or injured or needing end-of-

life care

• If you are not a family member

• If you are not a family member, either the person

needing care or support or their legal representa-

tive must complete an attestation form to confirm

that they consider you to be like family. For a

child, the parent or legal guardian must sign the

form to confirm.

If you are not a family member

If you are not a family member, either the person need-

ing care or support or their legal representative must

complete an attestation form to confirm that they con-

sider you to be like family. For a child, the parent or le-

gal guardian must sign the form to confirm.

Begin to gather supporting documents

• As part of the application process, you will need to

provide documents to Service Canada. Do not

wait until you have all of these documents before

applying online. You can collect and send them

after you complete your online application.

• the name(s) and address(es) of your employer(s)

for the last 52 weeks

• the dates you were employed with each employer

and the reason(s) you are no longer employed

with them

• your detailed explanation of the facts, if you quit

or have been dismissed from any job in the last

52 weeks

• your full mailing address (and your home address,

if they are not the same)

• your social insurance number (SIN)

• your mother’s maiden name

• information about the person requiring care or

support, including full name, date of birth and

home address

• your banking information, including financial insti-

tution, branch (transit) number and your account

number, to sign up for direct deposit

For more information : Service Canada programs and

services are available online at Service Canada or by

telephone at:

1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) -

You can also visit Service Canada at

Thomas Fuller Building, Floor 1

14 Court House Avenue

Brockville, Ontario

Workplace Safety Insurance Board

(WSIB)

• Provides wage-loss benefits, medical cover-

age and support to help people get back to

work after a work-related injury or illness.

If you are injured or become ill at work

1. Get medical help —Get first aid right away

For fatal or catastrophic workplace accidents

Call 1-800-387-0750

If you need further treatment, go to a health

professional. Your employer pays for your

transportation on the day of injury

2. Document — Tell your employer about any

medical treatment you received as soon as possi-

ble and let them know about any additional infor-

mation you received about your injury or illness.

3. Report to the WSIB —Report your injury orn

illness if:

• you need treatment from a health profession-

al (beyond first aid), or

• you aren’t able to go to work, or

• you are being paid less or receiving fewer

hours of work

4. Work together —It’s important that you stay in

touch with each other and the WSIB

Loss of earnings benefit

If you miss time from work because of a

work-related injury or illness and we allow your

claim, you may be entitled to loss-of-earnings and

health-care benefits.

While you receive a loss-of-earnings benefit you’ll

also need to participate in your recovery and re-

turn to work. We’ll help you return to work that:

is safe and productive, and

is within your capabilities and limits (called

functional abilities), and

to the extent possible, pays you the same or close

to what you were earning before your injury or

illness.

Receiving your loss-of-earnings benefit

Your loss-of-earnings benefit normally starts:

• The day after your injury and/or illness, an

• When you begin to miss time from work.

• Your employer is responsible for paying your

wages for your full shift for the day of your

injury and/or illness.

Your loss-of-earnings benefit will continue

until: your work-related injury or illness no longer

affects your ability to return to your pre-injury work;

• you’re no longer losing pay; or

• the day you reach 65-years-old if you were

less than 63-years-old the day of your injury;

• two years after the date of your injury if you

were 63-years-old or older the day of your

injury.

• After you reach age 65 and after your loss-of

-earnings benefits stops, you may still be

eligible to receive loss-of-retirement-income

benefit.

For more information : Contact 1-800-387-0750

Or visit www.wsib.ca

Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young

Victims of Crime

The death or disappearance of a child is devastating

and can leave parents unable to work. Parents or l

egal guardians who have taken time away from work

and suffered a loss of income to cope with the death

or disappearance of their child or children may be eli-

gible for federal income support of $450 per week.

The benefit provides eligible parents with payments of

$450 per week, paid every 2 weeks, for a maximum of

35 weeks over a period of 2 years (the Income Sup-

port Period). Recipients can decide to stop receiving

the benefit at any time and restart receipt at a later

date within the 2-year period.

What you could receive

You may be eligible to receive $450 per week, before

tax, every two weeks. You may receive up to 35

weeks of income support during the two-year period

immediately following the incident. The benefit is con-

sidered taxable income. Income tax will be deducted

from your benefit amount, and you will receive a state-

ment of income slip for income tax purposes at the

end of the year. The benefit can be shared between

multiple eligible parents.

Who is eligible

To receive the Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young

Victims of Crime, applicant(s) and the incident must

meet the following criteria:

Applicant eligibility criteria

ou must:

• be legally responsible for the child or children

involved in the incident;

• have recent labour force attachment, having

earned at least $6,500 in the previous calendar

year or in the 52 weeks prior to the incident;

• be on leave from employment or working no

more than 50 percent of your regular work

week, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week;

• have a valid Social Insurance Number;

• not have been charged with committing a proba-

ble Criminal Code offence that led to the death

or disappearance of the child; and

• not be receiving any type of Employment Insur-

ance benefits or Québec Parental Insurance

Plan (QPIP) benefits.

Incident eligibility criteria

• The child must be deceased or missing as a re-

sult of a probable Criminal Code offence;

• The child must have been under 25 years old at

the time of the incident;

• The incident must have occurred in Canada;

• In the case of a missing child, the child must

have been missing for over a week; and

• In the case of a deceased child, where the child

is 14 years of age or older, it is not probable that

the child was a willing party to the crime that led

to their death.

How to apply:

You can apply online or by mail using the Canadian

Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime Applica-

tion Form. The following two forms must also be com-

pleted and sent with your application:

Employment Form – must be completed and signed

by the employer that you are currently working for or

that you worked for in the 52 weeks before the inci-

dent occurred. If you are self-employed or are report-

ing both self-employed and employment earnings, you

must also submit your Canada Revenue Agency no-

tice of assessment from the previous income tax year.

Incident Report Form – must be completed and

stamped by the law enforcement agency where the

incident was reported.

Once completed, send your Application Form, along

with the original signed Employment Form(s) and the

Incident Report Form, to:

Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of

Crime Processing Centre

PO Box 8232, STN T

Ottawa ON K1G 3H7

End of payments

• Your payments will stop when any of the fol-

lowing occurs:

• you return to work for more than 50% of your

normal work week, or more than 20 hours per

week

• the maximum number of weeks (35) have been

paid

• 2 years (104 weeks) have passed since the inci-

dent occurred

• you start receiving any type of EI or QPIP

benefits for the same weeks you are receiving

benefit payments

• you request that your benefit payments stop

• 2 weeks have passed following the week a

missing child is found alive

For more information or to apply, visit Canadian

Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime at

www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-

development/services/parents-young-victims-

crime.html or call 1 800 O-Canada.

Ontario Energy Support Program

The OESP is an Ontario Energy Board (OEB)

program that lowers electricity bills for lower-

income households. The OESP provides a month-

ly credit to eligible customers based on household

income and household size. The OESP credits

are applied directly to eligible customers’ bills.

How much you can expect to receive?

Maximum monthly amount is $45 per month for a

single person in a household with annual after-tax

income below $28,000 The benefit will increase

with more people in the household and will de-

crease as your after-tax income increases If your

home is electrically heated, or you rely on an ap-

proved medical device requiring a lot of electricity,

OESP offers a higher level of assistance

To qualify:

• For a 1 person household, the household

income is $28,000 or less

• For a 2 person household, the household

income is $39,000 or less.

• For a 3 - 4 person household, the household

income is $48,000 or less. For a household

of 5 or more people, the household income

is $52,000 or less.

To apply:

• Customers can apply online

at OntarioElectricitySupport.ca. You need to

complete the online application. Then either

complete the electronic consent form, or

print and sign a paper consent form and mail

it to the address provided on our website

• A paper version of the application can be

downloaded from the OESP application web-

site at OntarioElectricitySupport.ca or can be

mailed to applicants by the OESP Contact

Centre upon request.

• A paper version of the application can also

be obtained from the Volunteer Centre

What happens after you apply?

We’ll let you know if you qualify for OESP about

four to six weeks after your completed application

and signed consent forms have been received. If

you qualify, the credit will appear directly on your

electricity bill in about 6 to 8 weeks after you have

been approved. You will receive OESP credits on

your bill for 2 years before having to reapply

Where do I mail my OESP paper application

form?

Mail the completed Ontario Electricity Support

Program Application Form to the address below:

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

PO Box 1540 STN B

Ottawa, ON, K1P 0C

When will I start seeing the on-bill credits?

Applications take about 6 to 8 weeks to process.

Credits don’t take effect until you submit all re-

quired information (including the signed consent

form, if required) and your application is pro-

cessed. The credit is applied to your utility bill as

soon as possible after your application has been

approved.

For more information visit wwwOntarioElec-

tricitySupport.ca or Phone: 1-855-831-8151

OTHER ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) offers one-time support for low-income cus-

tomers who are in arrears and facing disconnection of their electricity or natural gas service. For

more information on LEAP, contact Volunteer Centre of St Lawrence-Rideau, or call

613-498-9393 ext 21.

Energy Affordability Program (EAP)

As a recipient of the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), you may be eligible to receive ad-

ditional assistance in reducing your electricity costs through the Save on Energy’s Energy

Affordability Program (EAP). EAP is an energy-efficiency program that provides energy-efficient

upgrades for your home at no cost to you.

Upgrades available through EAP may include:

• LED lightbulbs

• Smart power bars

• Replacement of older, inefficient refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners

• Comprehensive draft proofing and insulation for electrically heated homes.

To learn more about the EAP or to sign up, please visit SaveonEnergy.ca/EAP or call the Save on

Energy contact centre at 1-855-591-0877.

Will these programs reach out to me directly?

Neither Save on Energy’s EAP nor Enbridge’s Home Winterproofing Program (HWP) will reach out

to you directly unless you have contacted them first to apply. If you receive a call claiming to be from

either of these programs and don’t remember reaching out to them, please contact the EAP or HWP

using the contact information above.

In addition, the Ontario Energy Board wants consumers to know that the OESP application and ap-

proval process does not require a home visit. OEB staff do not conduct a home audit, check furnac-

es or install equipment for this or any other program.

Consumer Tips

Protect your personal information, your utility bill is private. It contains personal information like your

account number and energy usage. Ensure there is a valid reason for disclosing this information

(e.g., determining your eligibility) before doing so.

Remain vigilant and continue to use safe web browsing and email practices. Make sure you are ac-

cessing a safe and trusted source such as the utility’s website or call centre telephone num-

ber exactly as displayed on your bill.

Resources

Consumers concerned about any suspicious communications can also contact the Canadian

Anti-Fraud Centre or call 1-888-495-8501.

Income Supports for Adults with a Disability

Ontario Disability Support Program

(ODSP)

ODSP oers: money to help you and your eligible

family members with living expenses, including

food, and rent, health benets, including prescrip-

on drugs and vision care, employment support to

help you nd and keep a job or advance your ca-

reer

What you could get

If you are eligible for ODSP, you could receive

$1169 a month for basic needs and shelter.

• You may receive more than this for:

• Transportaon to medical appointments)

• other immediate family members (for exam-

ple, if you have a spouse or child you will re-

ceive a larger basic needs amount)

The amount you get will depend on your specic situ-

aon. Your eligibility and the amount are based on

your family size and living expenses, including hous-

ing and medical costs.

Who is eligible for ODSP?

You might be eligible for ODSP if you:

• have a disability, or are a member of

a prescribed class that is exempt from the disa-

bility adjudicaon process

• are in nancial need, meaning you and your

family do not have enough money to cover your

living expenses

• are 18 or older (if you’re under 18, you can start

the applicaon process up to six months before

your 18th birthday)

What documents do I need to apply for ODSP?

Have your family’s idencaon and banking docu-

ments ready, such as:

• social insurance numbers (SIN)

• OHIP cards

• birth cercates

• immigraon papers

• banking informaon

You will be asked to ll out your family’s:

• personal details, such as full name, date of birth

and status in Canada

• address

• email addresses (for all family members age 18

and over)

• housing costs

• total monthly income and available assets

• other expenses (such as child care and disability

related expenses)

your bank account informaon (if you have one) so

you can get your payment quickly

How do I apply?

Applicaons must be done online at

www.ontario.ca/page/social-assistance. If you do

not have access to a computer or internet ; call the

Volunteer Centre at 613-499-9393 ext. 21 to make an

appointment with one of your Financial Mentors.;

they can assist you though the applicaon process. It

is important you have the informaon below; as it is

required for the applicaon.

For more informaon: www.ontario.ca/page/social-

assistance. Or call 613-345-1200

100 Strowger Blvd,

Brockville, ON K6V 5J9,

8 am to 4 pm M-F

Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD)

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benet is

a monthly payment you can get if you:

• are under 65

• have made enough contribuons into the CPP

• have a mental or physical disability that regu-

larly stops you from doing any type of substan-

ally gainful work.

• have a disability that is long-term and of inde-

nite duraon, or is likely to result in death

What could I receive?

The basic disability benet payment is $505.79.*

(2021) We add to the basic amount based on how

much you paid into the Canada Pension Plan while

you worked

How do I qualify?

If you have made enough contribuons to the Cana-

da Pension Plan,

we pass your le to our medical specialists for a med-

ical assessment.

Applicaons are not assessed on the basis of a medi-

cal diagnosis alone, or on the basis of which disability

or disease you have. Several factors are considered,

including:

• the nature and severity of your medical

condion

• the impact of the condion and treatment on

your capacity to work

• the likely course of your condion

• your age, educaon and work history

• your work performance, producvity and how

much you are earning

Service Canada does not consider the availability of

suitable employment in the applicant's region when

determining eligibility.

Medical Report for a Canada Pension Plan disability

benet (ISP-2519) ( MUST be completed by the ap-

plicant's physician or nurse praconer).

How do I apply?

You should apply as soon as you develop a mental or

physical condion that:

• prevents you from working regularly at any job

• is long-term and of unknown duraon, or is

likely to result in death

Complete your applicaon form as soon as possible.

Do not wait for your doctor or nurse praconer to

complete the medical report or medical aestaon

form before sending your completed applicaon to

us.

There are 2 ways to apply. Decide how you want to

submit your applicaon form for more informaon

on that process:

Apply online at; www.canada.ca/en/services/

benets

• (you must also send a consent form by mail)

• Apply using a paper applicaon available at the

Volunteer Centre —613-499-9393 ext. 21

Ontario Student Assistance Program

(OSAP)

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

is a financial aid program that can help you pay for

college or university.

• OSAP offers funding through:

• grants: money you don’t have to pay back

• a student loan: money you need to repay

once you’re done school

When you apply for OSAP, we automatically

consider you for both grants and a loan. If you

don’t want to take a loan, and you’re a full-time or

part-time student, you can decline it after your

application is approved.

What OSAP can help with?

• OSAP can help you pay for:

• tuition

• books and equipment

• fees charged by your school

• living expenses (full-time students only)

• child care (for full-time and part-time students

with children)

Who is eligible for OSAP?

OSAP is open to Ontario residents of any age who

are:

• Canadian citizens

• permanent residents, or

• protected persons

How much could you get?

The amount of money you can get depends on

your:

• education expenses – the amount of money

you need for tuition, books, child care (for full

-time and part-time students), personal living

expenses (full-time students), supplies and

equipment

• course load – whether you’re a full-time or

part-time student

• program hours – for students in micro-

credential programs only

• personal financial situation – based on you

and your family’s income, family size,

dependants and other factors

**If you use money from your Registered it

won’t affect how much OSAP you can get. **

What do I need to apply?

• your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• info about your school and program

• your parents’ or spouse’s SIN (if applicable)

• your tax information

• your parents’ or spouse’s tax information

• Tax information includes income and other

information found in an income tax return.

If you’re not sure about which school you’ll be

attending, submit an OSAP application for

each school you’ve applied to.

For more information or to apply for OSAP visit

wwwosap.gov.on.ca

Income Supports for Students

Student Access Guarantee

If you attend a public postsecondary institution in

Ontario and you’re a full-time student, you may

also be eligible for financial help through the Stu-

dent Access Guarantee (SAG). SAG is a partner-

ship program between the ministry and Ontario’s

public colleges and universities. Through SAG,

Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universi-

ties are required to ensure that financial need is

not a barrier to accessing education.

If OSAP doesn’t cover your program costs and

you still need money, your school may provide ad-

ditional financial aid in the form of a:

• bursary

• scholarship

• work-study or summer-employment program

• referral to a line of credit

If you’re going to college or university directly

from high school

You’re considered for this guarantee based on the

information on your full-time OSAP application.

We’ll let you know if we need more information.

If you’re entering a graduate or professional

program (e.g., law, medicine)

You need to apply through your school’s financial

aid office.

Current and former individuals in

Extended Society Care (previously

known as Crown wards)

Individuals who were in Extended Society Care

and other youth 21-24 years old who left the care

of a Children’s Aid Society may be eligible for a

Living and Learning Grant. This grant provides ad-

ditional funds above the regular full-time OSAP aid

limits.

You’re automatically considered for this grant

when you submit an OSAP Application for

Full-Time Students. Supporting documents may be

required to confirm your eligibility. The required

documents are outlined when you submit your ap-

plication.

Individuals 18 to 24 years old as of the start of

their study period who were in Extended Society

Care with an Ontario Children’s Aid Society and

were adopted on or after August 1, 2013 may also

be eligible. Contact your financial aid office for de-

tails on the review process to be considered for

this grant.

Students with disabilities

If you have a permanent disability, you could be

eligible for full-time OSAP funding if you’re

studying at 40% or more of a full course load. To

be considered for this benefit, you must self-

identify as having a permanent disability when

applying for OSAP.

You can get additional aid to help pay for disability

-related educational services and equipment.

Through one application, you can be considered

for the:

Bursary for Students with Disabilities

Canada Student Grant for Services and

Equipment for Students with Permanent

Disabilities

You can also get specialized help if you are having

trouble repaying a student loan.

For more information or to apply for OSAP visit

wwwosap.gov.on.ca

Indigenous Student Bursary

This bursary is available to full and part-time post-

secondary students attending publicly-assisted

colleges and universities in Ontario or an approved

Indigenous Institute in Ontario.

Purpose

The Indigenous Student Bursary provides aid to

Indigenous students with financial need who are

attending either:

• a publicly–assisted colleges and universities

in Ontario

• an approved Aboriginal institute in Ontario

How much could you receive?

The amount of bursary available varies and can

range from $1,000 to $3,500. The actual amount

awarded is determined by your school. Contact

your school’s financial aid office for details

Who is eligible?

• You may be eligible for this bursary if meet

the following requirements:

• You’re attending a publicly-assisted college

or university in Ontario or an approved

Aboriginal institute in Ontario.

• You’re in an approved postsecondary

academic program (e.g. degree and diploma

programs) or training program (e.g.

apprenticeships).

• You self-identify as being an Indigenous

person in Canada (see definition, below).

• You meet citizenship and Ontario residency

requirements as outlined on the OSAP

Application for Full-Time Students.

• You have demonstrated financial need based

on the criteria as set out by your school.

Your school may have additional eligibility

requirements in addition to those listed above. For

example, some schools require that you be in

full-time studies. Contact your school’s financial

aid office for complete details.

You don’t have to apply for either OSAP for Full-

Time Students or OSAP for Part-Time Students to

be considered for this bursary.

Indigenous Person

An Indigenous person in Canada is considered

those who reported being an Aboriginal person,

that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit).

How to apply?

Use your school’s Indigenous Student Bursary

application. Their application will specify what

supporting documents are required.

For more information or to apply for OSAP visit

wwwosap.gov.on.ca

Ontario Indigenous Travel Grant

This grant assists with the cost of travelling be-

tween your remote First Nations community and

the postsecondary school you attend.

Learn more: Ontario Indigenous Travel Grant

Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool

A searchable list of bursaries, scholarships and

incentives for Indigenous students.

Post-Secondary Student Support Program

Federal government funding for First Nation and

eligible Inuit students enrolled in eligible

postsecondary programs. Contact your local band

office or Inuit designated organization for

information.

Métis Student Bursary Program

Funding from the Métis Nation of Ontario for Métis

students enrolled in postsecondary education. Ap-

ply for this funding through the Financial Aid Of-

fice, Indigenous student liaison centre or student

support services at your college or university.

For more information or to apply for OSAP visit

wwwosap.gov.on.ca

Income Supports for Seniors

If you are age 60 and above or about to approach retirement, you may be thinking about your finan-

cial needs as you get older. There are a number of government programs and benefits for seniors

living in Canada. Many are for individuals aged 65 or older, but some can start earlier. Similar to

other benefits and credits, it is important to first file a tax return in order to be eligible. Below is

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement

pension is a benefit that replaces part of your

income when you retire. It is available to peo-

ple who have worked in Canada and have

made at least one contribution into the pen-

sion plan or received contribution credits from

a former spouse or common-law partner.

What you could receive

Your CPP amount is based on how much you

earned while you were working, how much

you paid into the CPP, and the age you decide

to start your pension payments. Most people

get their CPP at age 65, but you can start to re-

ceive your CPP as early as age 60. For 2020, the

maximum monthly amount is $1,154.58. The

average monthly amount is $679.16.

If you have a low income, it may be better to take

CPP early unless you receive social assistance.

To qualify

• You are at least 60 years old.

You’ll be asked to choose one of the following:

• start receiving your pension as soon as you

qualify

• start receiving your pension at age 65 (your

pension will start the month after your 65th

birthday)

• start receiving your pension at a specific date

that you choose

• You’ll need to understand when is the best

time for you to start receiving your pension.

To apply

CPP payments are not automatic. You

must apply. You should apply in advance of when

you want your pension to start.

Our goal is to pay your CPP retirement pension in

the month of the start date you choose.

You can apply online on My Service Canada

Account or using the paper application, available

at the Volunteer Centre office; 613-499-9393

• If you qualify for CPP, you can apply online.

To apply online you’ll need a My Service

Canada Account (MSCA

• You can also mail or drop-off a completed

form to a Service Canada office.

Once you start your CPP retirement pension,

you’ll receive payments for the rest of your life.

Your monthly payment will increase in January of

each year if there’s an increase in the cost of liv-

ing, as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

Your monthly payment won’t decrease if the cost

of living goes down

How long will it take to process your

application?

We begin to process your application once we re-

ceive your completed application form. It will take:

• 7 to 14 days for online applications

• normally within 120 days for applications

delivered at a Service Canada Centre

• normally within 120 days for applications

sent by mail

• It could take longer to process your applica-

tion if Service Canada does not have a

complete application

For more information: Call 1-800-277-9914 or

visit www.canada.ca

Old Age Security (OAS)

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is a gov-

ernment pension program available to seniors

aged 65 and older. You can receive OAS pay-

ments even if you have never worked or are still

working, but you do need to have lived in Canada

for at least 10 years.

What you could receive

The amount of your OAS payments depends on

how long you have lived in Canada after the age of

18.You can qualify for the full OAS pension

amount if you have lived in Canada for at least 40

years after turning 18 (from January to March

2020, this amount was $613.53 each month). If

you have a low income, you may be able to get an

additional amount under the Guaranteed Income

Supplement (GIS).

To qualify

• If you are living in Canada, you must: be 65

years old or older

• Be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident at

the time your OAS application is approved

• Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years

since you were 18

There are additional requirements if you are

currently living outside of Canada.

To apply

• Some people can be automatically enrolled

into the OAS program and will receive a no-

tice letter from Service Canada.

• If you do not receive the notice letter, you will

need to apply online on My Service Canada

Account or using the paper application.,

available at the Volunteer Centre office or

call 613-499-9393 ext 21

Apply as soon as one month after your 64th

birthday.

Make sure you have the following information:

• Your social insurance number (SIN)

• If you have a partner, their SIN and date of

birth

• The date you would like your pension to start

Determine if you need to apply

We may send you a letter to let you know that you

will receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.

• You will need to apply for the Old Age

Security pension if:

• you get a letter from us asking you to apply

• information in the letter we send you is

incorrect

If you did not receive any letter about the Old Age

Security pension the month after you turned

64, contact us to find out

Your payment

If your income is higher than $77,580 (2019), you

will have to repay part or your entire Old Age Se-

curity pension. Find out more about Old Age

Security pension recovery tax.

You can receive your benefit payment by cheque

or direct deposit to your banking account in

Canada, the United States, or to some specific

countries. You will have to sign up for direct de-

posit.

Retroactive payments

If you are already over 65, we may be able to give

you a retroactive payment for up to a maximum of

11 months from the date we receive your applica-

tion. If you delayed receiving your Old Age

Security pension you will not be able to receive

retroactive payment.

Apply online:

To be able to apply online, you must:

• be at least 1 month past your 64th birthday

• not be currently receiving an Old Age

Security pension

• have not already applied for the Old Age

Security pension and Service Canada is not

currently assessing your application

• be currently living inside of Canada

• not have an authorized third party on your

account

For more Information visit www.canada.ca/en/

services/benefits/ or call 1-800-959-8182

Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income

System (GAINS)

GAINS provides a monthly, non-taxable benefit to

low-income Ontario seniors.

What you could receive

Monthly GAINS payments range between $2.50

and $83.

If you have no private income, you’ll receive the

maximum benefit of $83 a month.

Your payment can change if your income or mari-

tal status changes. GAINS payments are provided

on top of the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and

the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) pay-

ments you may receive from the federal govern-

ment. Together, the total maximum benefits

from OAS, GIS and GAINS is the guaranteed in-

come level. The Province guarantees that eligible

Ontario seniors will have at least this minimum lev-

el of income.

The guaranteed income level is updated every

three months to reflect inflation.

Who is eligible?

You qualify for GAINS payments if you :

are 65 years or older

• have lived in Ontario for the past 12 months

or for a total of 20 years since turning age 18

• have been a Canadian resident for 10 years

or more

• receive the federal OAS pension

and GIS payments

• have an annual private income of up to

$1,992 if you are a single senior or up to

$3,984 if you are a senior couple.

Private income may include money from a private

pension, the Canada Pension Plan, bank interest,

etc.

How to apply

If you currently receive the OAS pension and GIS,

you do not have to apply. Your GAINS benefits will

be determined based on information received from

Employment and Social Development Canada and

the details provided on your personal income tax

and benefit return.

To receive your GAINS payments you must:

• file your return every year by April 30, even if

you don’t have income to report, or

complete a GIS application and send it to your

nearest Service Canada office

Get your monthly payments

Payments are issued on or about the 25th day of

each month, starting in July and ending in June of

the next year.

To sign up for direct deposit of

your GAINS payments, visit the Service Canada or

call 1-800-277-9914.

Objections

If you are not satisfied with a decision regarding

your GAINS eligibility or payments, contact the

Ontario Ministry of Finance at:

1-866-ONTTAXS (6688297)

TTY: 1-800-263-7776

If you are still not satisfied, you can complete a for-

mal Notice of Objection form within 90 days from

the written decision was mailed to you.

For example, if the decision was mailed to you on

June1, we must receive your Notice of Objec-

tion by August 29.

Once you have completed the form send it by reg-

istered mail to:

Ministry of Finance

c/o Director, Advisory, Objections, Appeals and

Services Branch

33 King Street West, Post Office Box 699,

Station A

Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 8S6

For more information You can visit the Canada

Revenue Agency site for more information on

credits and benefits or call 1-877-627-6645.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is

a monthly tax free payment you can get if you

are 65 or older

What you could receive?

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is

a monthly payment you can get if:

• you are 65 or older

• you live in Canada

• you get the Old Age Security (OAS)

pension

your income is below $18,648 if you are

single, widowed, or divorced

your income plus the income of your spouse/

common-law partner is below:

• $24,624 if your spouse/common-law partner

receives the full OAS pension

• $44,688 if your spouse/common-law partner

does not receive an OAS pension

• $44,688 if your spouse/common-law partner

receives the Allowance

The Supplement is based on income and is avail-

able to low-income Old Age Security pensioners.

It is not taxable.

In many cases, we will let you know by letter

when you could start receiving the first payment.

We will send you this letter the month after you

turn 64. In other cases, you may have to appl

• Maximum amount is $11,007.48 ($917.29

per month) payable for life. The GIS

amount received is reduced in proportion to

your income. For example, if you were

making $15,000 per year and receiving the

maximum OAS you would receive $150.21

per month in GIS

To qualify

• You are receiving an OAS pension.

• You have a yearly income less than the limit

(in January 2020, the yearly income limit is

$18,600 for a single person receiving the

full OAS pension).

To apply

• Some people can be automatically enrolled

into the OAS program and GIS and will re-

ceive a notice letter from Service Canada.

• If you do not receive the notice letter, you

will need to apply online on My Service

Canada Account or using the paper applica-

tion for the OAS program and GIS., availa-

ble at the Volunteer Centre office.

**Apply as soon as one month after your 64th

birthday.**

Why you may have to apply?

You may have to apply for the Guaranteed In-

come Supplement. We may not have enough in-

formation to enroll you automatically. You may

have to apply if you are already receiving your

Old Age Security pension and never applied for

the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

What document to I need to apply?

**Make sure you have the following information:

• Your social insurance number (SIN)

• If you have a partner, their SIN and date of

birth

• The date you would like your pension to

start

For more information visit: /www.canada.ca/

en/services/benefits

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

The new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is

a government-funded dental care program. It

provides free, routine dental services for low-

income seniors who are 65 years of age or older.

Coverage includes:

• check-ups, including scaling, fluoride and

polishing

• repairing broken teeth and cavities

• x-rays

• removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral

surgery)

• anesthesia

• treating infection and pain (endodontic

services)

• treating gum conditions and diseases

(periodontal services)

Who is eligible ?

You can apply for the program if you:

• are 65 years of age or older

• are a resident of Ontario

• meet the income requirements:

• an annual net income of $19,300 or less for

a single senior

• a combined annual net income of $32,300

or less for a couple

• have no other form of dental benefits, in-

cluding private insurance or dental cover-

age under another government program

such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability

Support Program or Non-Insured Health

Benefits

We will verify your income using your Social In-

surance Number (SIN), that you will provide

when you apply to the program. We will use

your SIN to verify your annual new income from

your tax return. Learn how you can apply if you

don’t have a SIN.

How to apply?

You can apply to the program online or by mail.

If you and your spouse or common-law partner

are applying to the program, you must submit two

separate applications.

Before you begin the online application, you

need:

• your date of birth

• a valid Ontario address

• your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Tem-

porary Taxation Number (TTN)

• To have filed your taxes last year

If you do not have a SIN or did not file taxes in

the previous year, please complete the Ontario

Seniors Dental Care Program application

through guarantor form. Or call the Volunteer

Centre at 613-499-9393 and we can help you

complete your income taxes.

To apply online:

Complete the online application.

Print and fill out the consent form.

Mail the completed consent form within

30 days to:

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Station P, P.O. Box 159

Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S7

To apply by mail:

• Download and print the application form, or

get one in person from your local public

health unit.

• Fill out and complete the application form.

Mail the completed form to:

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Station P, P.O. Box 159

Toronto, Ontario

M5S 2S7

Once you have completed and submitted your

application form, you will be contacted by

phone and/or mail if there are any issues with

your application or if your application is incom-

plete.

If your application is approved, you will receive a

welcome package and dental card in the mail that

will expire on July 31st.

For more information: If you have any

questions or need to replace your dental card,

please contact the Ontario Seniors Dental Care

Program:

Tel: 416-916-0204

Toll-free: 1-833-207-4435

Program Page

Asset Builders for Adults

Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) 58

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) 59

Asset builders for Children with a Disability

Canada Disability Savings Bond 60

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) 61

Asset Builders for Children

Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) 62

Canada Learning Bond (CLB) 63

Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) 63

Asset Builders for Adults

Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)

The TFSA program began in 2009. It is a way for individuals who are 18 years of age or older

and who have a valid social insurance number (SIN) to set money aside tax-free throughout

their lifetime.

Contributions to a TFSA are not deductible for income tax purposes. Any amount contributed as

well as any income earned in the account (for example, investment income and capital gains) is

generally tax-free, even when it is withdrawn. Administrative or other fees in relation to a TFSA and

any interest on money borrowed to contribute to a TFSA are not tax-deductible.

Who is eligible

Any individual that is a resident of Canada who has a valid SIN and who is 18 years of age or older is

eligible to open a TFSA. Any individual that is a non-resident of Canada who has a valid SIN and who

is 18 years of age or older is also eligible to open a TFSA. However, any contributions made while a

non-resident will be subject to a 1% tax for each month the contribution stays in the account.

Types of TFSAs

There are three types of TFSAs that can be offered:

1. A deposit,

2. An annuity contract, and an

3. Arrangement in Trust.

For more information about a certain type of TFSA, contact a TFSA issuer.

How do I open a TFSA?

To open a TFSA, you must do both of the following:

• Contact your financial institution, credit union, or insurance company (issuer).

• Provide the issuer with your SIN and date of birth so the issuer can register your qualifying ar-

rangement as a TFSA. Your issuer may ask for supporting documents.

What is my TFSA contribution room?

Your TFSA contribution room is the maximum amount that you can contribute to your TFSA. Only

contributions made under a valid SIN are accepted as TFSA contributions. If you were 18 or older in

2009, your TFSA contribution room grows each year even if you do not file an Income Tax

and Benefit Return or open a TFSA.

Will a TFSA impact my government benefits and credits?

• Your federal income-tested benefits and credits such as: Old Age Security (OAS) benefits, the

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), or Employment Insurance (EI) benefits will not be re-

duced as a result of the income you earn in your TFSA or the amount you withdraw from your

TFSA.

• The income earned in the account or amounts withdrawn from a TFSA will also not affect your

eligibility for federal credits, such as the Canada child benefit (CCB), the Canada workers bene-

fit (CWB), the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit, or the age

amount.

• You can withdraw money from the TFSA at any time, for any reason, with no tax consequences,

and without affecting your eligibility for federal income-tested benefits and credits.

For more information visit www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/ TFSA or call 1-800-

267-6999. For a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), Guide for Individuals. Visit

www.voluntercentre.ca

For example purposes only

Registered Retirement Savings Plan

(RRSP)

What’s an RRSP and how does it work?

Registered Retirement Savings Plans were creat-

ed in 1957 as part of the Canadian Income Tax

Act.2 They are registered with the Canadian

government and overseen by the Canada Reve-

nue Agency (CRA), which sets rules governing

annual contribution limits, contribution timing, and

what assets are allowed. RRSP Contribution Lim-

it. Because RRSPs are registered ac-

counts, they’re subject to certain rules. One of

the most important rules concerns the amount of

money you can contribute to the account in any

given year; it’s either 18% of your past year’s in-

come or a maximum amount, whichever’s small-

er.

Who’s eligible for an RRSP?

• Any individual that is a resident of Canada

who has a valid SIN and who is 18 years of

age or older is eligible to open a TFSA.

• Any individual that is a non-resident of Can-

ada who has a valid SIN and who is 18

years of age or older is also eligible to open

a TFSA.

• However, any contributions made while a

non-resident will be subject to a 1% tax for

each month the contribution stays in the

account. .

• You cannot open a TFSA or contribute to

one until you turn 18. However, when you

turn 18, you will be able to contribute up to

the full TFSA dollar limit for that year. Set-

ting up an RRSP:

You set up a registered retirement savings

plan through a financial institution such as a

bank, credit union, trust or insurance company.

Your financial institution will advise you on the

types of RRSP and the investments they can

contain

Receiving income from an RRSP

• If you are near retirement, you may be

thinking about getting regular income from

your RRSP.

• You generally have a certain amount of

flexibility on the types of income you can

receive. Contact your RRSP Issuer to find

out what your options are.

When it comes to saving for retire-

ment, RRSPs are pretty hard to beat. Your contri-

butions reduce your annual income tax. ... They

are usually not a good option for short-term sav-

ings, however, as money withdrawn from

an RRSP will increase your annual income and

may result in your having to pay more taxes.

For more information visit: www.canada.ca/

RRSP or call 1-800-959-8281. Visit the

Volunteer Centre website at

Asset builders for Children

with a Disability

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a

savings plan that is intended to help parents and

others save for the long term financial security of

a person who is eligible for the disability tax

credit (DTC). Contributions to an RDSP are not

tax deductible and can be made until the end of

the year in which the beneficiary turns 59.

Contributions that are withdrawn are not included

as income to the beneficiary when they are paid

out of an RDSP

What could you receive?

An RDSP allows you to save money for the

future, without paying tax on the earnings.

Depending on your family income, the federal

government may contribute as much as $90,000

to YOUR account. Your provincial government

disability benefits will be unaffected. Really, you

have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Who is eligible for and RDSP?

You can designate an individual as beneficiary if

the individual:

• is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC)

• has a valid social insurance number (SIN)

• is a resident in Canada when the plan is

entered into and

• is under the age of 60 (a plan can be

opened for an individual until the end of the

year in which they turn 59).The age limit

does not apply when a beneficiary’s RDSP

is opened as a result of a transfer from the

beneficiary’s former RDSP.

Who can open an RDSP?

If the beneficiary is under the age of majority, a

qualifying person can open an RDSP for the

beneficiary and become a holder if that person is

any of the following:

• a legal parent of the beneficiary

• a guardian, tutor, or curator of the benefi-

ciary, or another individual who is legally

authorized to act for the beneficiary

• a public department, agency, or institution

that is legally authorized to act for the bene-

ficiary

The beneficiary has reached the age of

majority and is contractually competent to

enter into a plan:

• If the beneficiary has reached the age of

majority and is contractually competent to

enter into a plan the beneficiary can open

an RDSP for themselves.

• If the legal parent(s), at the time the plan is

established, are holders of a pre-existing

RDSP for the adult beneficiary, the legal

parent(s) could remain holder(s) of the new

plan. The adult beneficiary could also be

added as a joint holder along their parents.

• The beneficiary has reached the age of ma-

jority but their contractual competency to

enter into a plan is in doubt

• The ability for a “qualifying family

member” (QFM) to open a plan under these

rules applies as of June 29, 2012 and ends

on December 31, 2023.

A QFM includes a spouse, common-law partner,

or parent of an individual.

How do you open an RDSP?

To open an RDSP, a person who qualifies to be

a holder of the plan must contact a participating

financial institution that offers RDSPs. These fi-

nancial institutions are known as RDSP issuers.

What documents are required?

• Proof of identification

• Social Insurance Number

• Disability Tax Certificate

• Yearly Notice of Assessment from CRA

For more information visit https:

www.canada.ca/rdsp.

 
62 
Canada Disability Savings Bond 
The Canada Disability Savings Bond is one way 
that the federal government will put money into 
your RDSP. If your net income is less than or 
equal to $32,028 per year, the federal govern-
ment will put $1,000 into your RDSP each 
year. If you are younger than 18, then it is your 
family income that counts.  
What could I receive ? 
The bond is an amount paid by the Government 
of Canada directly into an RDSP. The Govern-
ment will pay a bond of up to $1,000 a year 
to low-income Canadians with disabilities. No 
contributions have to be made to get the bond. 
The lifetime bond limit is $20,000. A bond can 
be paid into an RDSP until the year in which the 
beneficiary turns 49. The amount of the bond is 
based on the beneficiary’s adjusted family net in-
come; the  beneficiary family income thresholds 
are indexed each year to inflation. 
Who is eligible for an CDSB? 
To determine if you are eligible, you must answer 
‘yes’ to each of the following two questions: 
Do you have a mental or physical disability 
that is expected to last, or has lasted, one 
year or more? 
Does at least one of the following statements ap-
ply to you? 
•  You are blind. 
•  You need extensive therapy or treatment. 
•  You are limited in activities that people need 
to do regularly (for example: speaking, hear-
ing, walking, using the bathroom, eating, 
getting dressed,  remembering, banking, 
finding your way around, dealing with emer-
gencies.) 
For more information visit  Employment and 
Social  Development Canada at www.esdc.gc.ca  
or call  1-833-966 -2099  
 
Canada Disability Savings Grant 
The Canada Disability Savings Grant is a match-
ing grant. That means that the Government also 
pays into your RDSP to help you save. The     
Government gives matching grants of up to 300 
percent, depending on the beneficiary's family 
income and contribution. The maximum Grant 
amount is $3,500 per year, with a limit of 
$70,000 over your lifetime. Matching grants are 
paid into the RDSP on contributions that are 
made up to and including December 31 of the 
year you turn 49 years of age.  
How to qualify? 
Once you have an RDSP, you can apply for a 
grant if you: 
•  are 49 years old or under (if you are 49, you 
must apply before the end of the year) 
•  are a Canadian resident 
•  have a social insurance number; and 
•  are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit 
 
How to apply? 
•  You must apply for the Grant through 
the financial organization where you have 
your RDSP 
To make it easier, you can fill out the appli-
cation form and print it to take with you to 
your financial organization: 
•  Application for the Canada Disability Sav-
ings Grant and/or Canada Disability Savings 
Bond. 
Grant amounts are based on income categories 
and change each year based on the rate of infla-
tion. A list of the current qualifying income lev-
els is available on the Canada Revenue Agency 
website. 
To qualify for the 200 percent and 300 percent 
matching grant: 
•  beneficiaries over 18 years of age must have 
filed income tax returns for the past two years 
and must do so for all future taxation years 
•  the parents or guardians of beneficiaries      
under the age of 18 must have filed income 
tax returns for the past two years, and must 
do so for all future taxation years and apply 
for the Canada Child Benefit 
 
For more information call: 1-800-O-Canada    
(1-800-622-6232) or visit www.canada.ca  
You also contact: The Volunteer Centre at  
613-499-9393.  

Asset Builders for Children

Registered Education Savings

Plans (RESP)

A Registered Education Savings Plan

(RESP) is a special savings account for

parents who want to save for their child's

education after high school.

What could my child get?

When your child enrols in post-secondary

education, they can start taking payments,

called educational assistance payments

(EAPs) from their RESP. EAPs are made

up of the investment earnings and

government grant money in the RESP.

Who is eligible to open RESP?

• Anyone can open an RESP account for a

child—parents, guardians, grandparents,

other relatives or friends.

• While you can open a plan for a child, you

can also name yourself or another adult as

the beneficiary.

• An RESP allows adults to earn interest on

their RESP tax-free.

• **You can open an RESP without having

a bank account. **

What do I need to open and RESP?

• You need to bring your social insurance

card,

• Your child's social insurance card and

• your child's birth certificate or permanent

resident card.

Period that an RESP can stay open?

You can make contributions into an RESP until

31 years after you first opened it. After that time,

however, you can transfer savings from other

RESPs into a single plan. You would then have

until the end of the 35th year after the plan was

first opened to use the funds before the RESP

expires (unless otherwise specified in the terms

for your plan).

What happens to savings in an RESP when it

closes/expires?

Any savings that remain in your RESP when it

closes will be handled as follows:

money received from either the Canada Educa-

tion Savings Grant (CESG) or the Canada Learn-

ing Bond (CLB) will be returned to the Govern-

ment of Canada; and

any personal savings in the account will be

returned to the person who opened the plan.

The interest earned on both the personal savings

as well as any government grants or bonds will

be returned to you if all of the following apply:

all children named in the plan are at least 21

years old and are not eligible for an Educational

Assistance Payment;

the subscriber is a Canadian resident; and

the RESP was opened at least 10 years ago.

What happens if your child does not continue

their education after high school

If the child chooses not to continue their

education after high school, you can wait a while

to see if they change their mind. RESP accounts

can stay open for up to 36 years. If you are sure

the beneficiary will not be using the money in the

future, you can transfer the money from one

RESP to another.

For more information Visit https://

mysmartfuture.org/leedsgrenville or call The

Volunteer Centre 613-499-9393 ext. 21

Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)

The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is

money that the Government adds to a Registered

Education Savings Plan (RESP). This money

helps to pay the costs of a child’s full- or part-time

studies after high school at:

apprenticeship programs

• CEGEPs (general or vocational college in

Quebec)

• trade schools

• colleges

• Universities

What could a child get?

No matter what your family income is, ESDC pays

an amount of Canada Education Savings Grant

(basic CESG) of 20% of annual contributions you

make to all eligible RESPs for a qualifying

beneficiary to a maximum CESG of $500 in

respect of each beneficiary ($1,000 in CESG if

there is unused grant room from a previous year),

and a lifetime limit of $7,200.

Who is eligible for a CESG?

The CESG, including the Additional amount of

CESG, is available until the end of the calendar

year that a child turns 17. However, there are

eligibility restrictions for children who are 16 or 17

years old. A contribution must be made to the

RESP for a child to get the CESG.

• To be eligible for the CESG, a child must:

• be a resident of Canada

• have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• be named as a beneficiary in a Registered

Education Savings Plan (RESP)

How do I apply?

 Gather personal information

To request the CESG, a Social Insurance

Number (SIN) for the child and the subscriber is

needed. If the subscriber is not the child’s primary

caregiver, you will need their SIN too.

2. Have an RESP

To request the CESG, you must have and

contribute to an RESP. If you don’t have an RESP,

open one and contribute to it. If the child is eligible

for the Additional amount of CESG, ask your

RESP promoter if they offer it.

3. Complete the application form

Complete the Canada Education Savings

Grant (CESG) application form with the help of

the RESP promoter. The RESP promoter will

provide the CESG application form.

For more information Visit https://

mysmartfuture.org/leedsgrenville or call The

Volunteer Centre 613-499-9393

Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is money

that the Government adds to a Registered Ed-

ucation Savings Plan (RESP) for children from

low-income families. This money helps to pay

the costs of a child’s full- or part-time studies

after high school at:

• Apprenticeship programs

• CEGEPs

• Trade schools

• Colleges

• Universities

How much a child could get?

• The Government of Canada contributes up

to $2,000 to an RESP for an eligible child.

This includes:

• $500 for the first year of eligibility

• $100 each year the child continues to be eli-

gible (up to and including the benefit year in

which they turn 15)

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for the CLB is based on the:

• number of qualified children in the family,

and

• adjusted income of the primary caregiver,

including the income of a cohabiting spouse

or common-law partner

For families with 1-3 children, net income <

$47,630

Child eligibility

• A child is eligible for the CLB if they:

• are from a low-income family

• are born on or after January 1, 2004

• are a resident of Canada

• have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• are named in an RESP

What is required?

Before requesting the CLB on behalf of an eligible

child, the following is needed:

• a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for the

subscriber or the Business Number of the

agency if the child is in care

• a SIN for the child

For more information or to apply

Visit https://mysmartfuture.org/leedsgrenville or

call The Volunteer Centre 613-499-9393

Disclaimer:

The Material and informaon contained in this Resource Booklet is for general informaon and

educaonal purposes only.

All material and dollar values referenced were accurate at the me of producon. Although

best eorts are made to ensure that all informaon is accurate and up to date, the Volunteer

Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau acknowledges that informaon is always subject to change.

You should not construe any informaon as comprehensive or professional nancial advice.

You assume the sole responsibility of evaluang the material and the risks associated with the

use of any informaon provided.

The Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau makes no warranes as to the accuracy of the

content and assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omission in the content.

 
66 
 
 
 
 
Renew in-person 
When you go to the centre, bring the following with you: 
your current health card 
•  proof of your, Ontario residency and personal identity 
•  check Ontario Health Coverage Document List for 
acceptable documents 
•  if your Canadian Citizenship or immigration      
status has changed since receiving your current 
health card, bring your most recent Citizenship or 
immigration document 
your marriage certificate, if you are applying under your 
married name for the first time 
optional: a printed health card renewal form, if you have 
one 
 
Renewing an Ontario health card is free. 
The renewed card will be mailed to you in approximately 4 
to 6 weeks 
. 
Medical exemptions 
If you cannot visit a ServiceOntario centre for a medical 
reason, you must have a physician or nurse practitioner fill 
out a Health Card Medical Exemption Request form. 
The completed form, along with your required documents, 
must be brought into a ServiceOntario centre by someone 
else on your behalf to finish the renewal. 
 
Renewal for children under 15 ½ 
By mail 
If you have a child under 15 ½, in most cases you will be 
able to renew his or her health card by mail. The renewal 
notice you received in the mail will give you your next steps. 
Renew in-person 
If your child’s renewal notice says you need to visit 
a ServiceOntario centre, bring three original 
docments from the Ontario Health Coverage Document 
List: 
•  your child’s most recent citizenship or immigration doc-
ument (such as an Ontario birth certificate) 
•  one to prove your residency in Ontario (such as an 
Ontario driver’s licence) 
•  one to prove your identity (such as a credit card) 
Here is a complete list of acceptable documents. 
Note: your child does not need to be with you.   
Lost renewal reminder 
If you have lost the renewal reminder, you can print another 
copy of the form. 
For lost return address envelopes, you may instead mail a 
copy of the form in a regular plain envelope addressed 
to: 
ServiceOntario 
PO Box 48 
Kingston, ON K7L 5J3 
Renewals for youth over 15 ½ 
Renew in-person 
If you’re over 15½ years old, you must renew your Ontario 
health card in person. 
Visit a ServiceOntario centre with two original 
docments from the  
Ontario Health Coverage Document List: 
•  one to prove your residency in Ontario (such as an On-
tario driver’s licence) 
•  one to prove your identity (such as a credit card) 
If your Canadian Citizenship or immigration status has 
changed since you received your current health card, 
you also need to bring your most recent Citizenship or 
immigration document 
Renewal for seniors over 80 
Renew by mail 
In most cases, you can renew a health card by mail. The 
renewal reminder will confirm if this option is available 
to you and will give you your next steps. 
Renew in-person 
If your renewal notice says you need to visit a ServiceOn-
tario centre. 
Bring two original documents from the Ontario Health 
Coverage Document List with you: 
•  one to prove your residency in Ontario (such as an     
Ontario driver’s licence) 
•  one to prove your identity (such as a credit card) 
If your Canadian Citizenship or immigration status has 
changed since you got your current health card, you 
also need to bring your most recent Citizenship or im-
migration document. 
Lost renewal reminder 
If you have lost your renewal reminder, you can print anoth-
er copy of form. 
For lost return address envelopes, you may instead mail a 
copy of the form in a regular plain envelope addressed 
to: 
ServiceOntario 
PO Box 48 
Kingston, ON K7L 5J3 
Renew both your driver’s licence and health card 
You may be eligible to renew both your driver’s licence and 
health card at the same time online, if: 
•  your driver’s licence expires on the same day 
•  you don’t need a photo 
Learn more about the eligibility requirements. 
Do you need a photo 
You will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre and get your 
photo taken if: 
•  you are replacing your red and white health card 
•  your photo is 10 years or older 
•  you are turning 16 years old 
•  you are renewing in-person 
•  you are making a change to your name 
you received a notice in the mail from ServiceOntario 
 
 
Health card renewal 

What do you want to call about?

Phone number Hours of service

(in local me unless noted)

Order a form:

 T1 Income tax package

 T2201, Disability Tax Credit Cercate

 AUT-01 Authorize a Representave for Oine Access

 RC66, Canada Child Benets Applicaon

 RC107, Remiance Voucher for Current Source Deducons

 T777S Statement of Employment Expenses for Working at

Home Due to COVID-19

1-855-330-3305

No wait mes

Monday to Sunday 6 am to 3am ET

Check tax account balance

1-866-474-8272

No wait mes

Monday to Sunday 6 am to 3am ET

Use the automated line to:

 Get Proof of Income (Opon C print-out)

 Request remiance voucher

 Tax-free savings account (TFSA) contribuon room

 Unused RRSP contribuons to claim

 Registered rerement savings plan (RRSP) contribuons this

year

 Esmated GST/HST credit payment amount, three weeks

before next payment

 Esmated Child Benet payment amount, two weeks be-

fore next payment

 Find out if you are eligible for the Canada child benet

(CCB), and the GST/HST credit, as well as the dates you can

expect to receive them

1-800-267-6999

No wait mes

Monday to Sunday 6 am to 3am ET

 Check status of 2020 tax return

 Esmated 2020 refund amount

 When to expect your 2020 refund

1-800-959-1956

No wait mes

Monday to Sunday 6 am to 3am ET

 Canada child benet (CCB), and related benets

 GST/HST credit

 Get help with child disability benet

 Change marital status

1-800-387-1193

Automated callback

service available

Mon to Fri —9 am to 5 pm

Sat and Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

 Help with online services such as My Account, NETFILE and

Represent a Client or family member

 Get a security code for My Account

 Help if you are locked out of your online account

1-800-959-8281

Automated callback

service available

Mon to Fri—9 am to 9 pm

Sat—9 am to 5 pm

Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

Canada Revenue Agency informaon

What do you want to call about?

Phone number Hours of service

(in local me unless noted)

 Get copy of noce of assessment

 Quesons about personal income tax le

 Issues with ling for the rst me

 Get a tax form or publicaon

 How to report income on your personal income tax return

 Quesons about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

1-800-959-8281

Automated callback

service available

Mon to Fri—9 am to 9 pm

Sat —-9 am to 5 pm

Sun—Closed

 Set up direct deposit or change bank account informaon

You will also need:

 Your three-digit bank (nancial instuon) number, ve-

digit transit number, and your account number

1-800-959-8281

Automated callback

service available

Mon to Fri—9 am to 9 pm

Sat—9 am to 5 pm

Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

 Change address

 Update name on le

 Change marital status

 Help making a payment

 Quesons on instalments (paying taxes as you earn income)

 Move a payment to a business account

 Trusts

 Registered Rerement Savings plan (RRSP)

 Home Buyers Plan (HBP)

1-800-959-8281

Automated callback

service available

Mon to Fri—9 am to 9 pm

Sat—9 am to 5 pm

Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

 Ontario trillium benet (OTB) payment—including Ontario

sales tax credit (OSTC), Ontario energy and property tax

credit (OEPTC), and Northern Ontario energy credit (NOEC)

 Ontario senior homeowners' property tax grant (OSHPTG)

payment

1-877-627-6645

Mon to Fri—8:15 am to 5 pm ET

Sat and Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

 Discuss payment arrangements if you can't pay in me

1-888-863-8657

Mon to Fri —9 am to 5 pm

Sat and Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

 Discuss how to repay overpaid child and family benets

1-888-863-8662

Mon to Fri —9 am to 5 pm

Sat and Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

 Arrange payments for CPP overpayments

1-866-864-5823 Mon to Fri —9 am to 5 pm

Sat and Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

 Arrange payments for EI overpayments

1-866-864-5841 Mon to Fri —9 am to 5 pm

Sat and Sun—Closed

Public holidays—Closed

 
69 
Abuse – Physical, Emotional, and   
Sexual 
 Phone Number    Website 
Assaulted Women’s Helpline (Ontario)   1-866-863-0511 
www.awhl.org 
Assault Response & Care Centre  1-800-567-7415 
www.arc-c.ca 
Interval House – Leeds & Grenville    1-800-267-4409 
www.lgih.ca 
Addicon Services Developmental Service     
Agencies       
Alcoholics Anonymous Leeds & Grenville    613-342-8452 
www.aa.org 
Alcoholics Anonymous   1-855-267-2696 
www.aa.org 
Al-Anon Family Groups  1-888-425-2666 
www.al-anon.org 
Brock Coage (Men)  613-342-6415    
Narcocs Anonymous  1-888-922-7822 
www.oawana.org 
Tennant House (Women)  1-866-499-8445   
Alzheimer’s 
     
Alzheimer Society of Leeds & Grenville    1-866-576-8556 
www.alzheimer.ca 
Bereavement 
     
Bereavement Coordinator (Brock Hosp.)    613-345-5649 Ext. 4415   
Bereavement Support Groups   613-267-6400   
Counselling, Mental Health Services 
     
AIDS & Sexual Health Info-line    1-800-668-2437 
www.ontario.ca/page/hivaids 
Asserve Community Treatment Team   613-345-4600 
www.brockvillegeneralhospital.ca 
ACTT-Dual Diagnosis    613-345-1461 
www.theroyal.ca 
Brockville Mental Health Centre     613-345-1461 
www.theroyal.ca 
Canadian Mental Health Associaon   613-345-0950 
www.cmha.ca 
Family Counselling Services     613-498-2300 
www.theravive.com 
Geriatric Psychiatry  613-345-1461 
www.theroyal.ca 
Heads Up- First Episode Psychosis Program   613-342-2262 Ext.5434 
www.headsup-pa.org 
Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville   613-498-4844 
www.cmhlg.ca 
Rose Garden Family Support Centre    613-345-6007 
www.rosegardenfsc.ca 
Men’s Counselling Services    613-498-1940   
Front Avenue Resource Centre     1-866-499-8445   
Developmental Service Agencies 
     
Brockville and Area Community Living Assoc.  613-342-2953 
www.bacla.ca 
Developmental Services of Leeds and Grenville  613-345-1290 
www.developmentalservices.com 
BDACI  613-345-4092 
www.bdaci.com 
Employment Services 
     
Employment Educaon Centre  613-498-2111 
www.eecentre.com 
CSE Consulng Brockville  613-342-2312 
www.cseconulng.com 
CSE Consulng Kemptville  613-258-6576 
www.cseconsulng.com 
CSE Consulng Presco  613-925-0222 
www.cseconsulng.com 
KEYS Job Centre-Elgin  613-359-1140 
www.keys.ca 
KEYS Job Centre-Gananoque  613-382-1085 
www.keys.ca 
Career Services  613-342-5775 
careerservices.ca 
Services in Leeds & Grenville  

 
70 
Financial Aid Services  
  
  
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)  613-345-1200 
www.mcss.gov.on.ca 
Ontario Works (OW)-Brockville  613-342-3840 
www.leedsgrenville.com/en/services/ontario-works 
Ontario Works (OW)-Presco  613-925-0002 
www.leedsgrenville.com/en/services/ontario-works 
Food Banks 
     
Athens Food Bank  613-945-9112   
Brockville and Area Food Bank  613-342-0605   
Cardinal-South Grenville Food Bank  613-657-1967   
Delta Food Bank  613-359-6118   
The Elgin Food Bank  613-359-6118   
Gananoque Food Bank  613-382-4434   
Presco Food Bank  613-925-2444   
Salvaon Army   613-803-1710 
www.salvaonarmy.ca 
Seeley’s Bay Food Bank  613-770-2935   
Free-low/ Cost Meals       
Addison Community Simple Fare Luncheon  613-924-9816 
 
 Brockville Loaves and Fishes  613-345-6498 
www.emptybowlsbrockville.com 
Community Drop In Lunch South Crosby  613-272-2227 
 
Friendship Luncheon St. John’s Church Hall  613-258-3259 
 
Kings Kitchen, Presco  613-925-5340 
 
Manna Café Salvaon Army, Kemptville  613-382-3105 
 
Soup for the Souls 1000 Island Bapst Church  613-342-9552 
 
Sunday Dinner St. Lawrence Anglican Church  613-345-5717 
 
Sunday Dinner Wall Street United Church  613-342-5401 
 
Sunday Supper The Pier Church  613- 498-7729 
 
Sunday Breakfast St. John’s United Church  613-345-5824 
 
What’s Cooking Free Methodist Church  613-272-2799 
 
What’s Cooking Country Roads CHC  613-272-2799 
 
Health Agencies  
     
Athens District Family Health Team  
613-924-2623  
www.adt.on.ca 
Arthris Foundaon  
 
www.arthris.org 
Aenon Decit Disorder (Info Only)  
613-342-3840 
www.chaddcanada.org 
Ausm Ontario 
613-499-9962 
www.ausmontario.com 
Breast Cancer  
1-866-863-0511 
www.breastcancer.org 
Canadian Diabetes  
1-888-939-3333 
www.diabetes.ca 
Canadian Hearing Society  
1-866-797-0000 
www.chs.ca 
Canadian Liver Foundaon  
1-877-336-2433 
www.liver.ca 
Country Roads Community Health Centre 
613-272-2799  
www.crchc.on.ca  
CPHC Community Family Health Team 
613-345-5077 
www.cphcare.ca 
Community Primary Health Care 
1 800-465-7646  
 
HIV/Aids Regional Services  
1-833-456-4566 
www.hars.ca 
Lanark, Leeds, & Grenville District Health Unit  
1-866-925-5454 
www.healthunit.org 
Stone's Mill Family Health Centre 
613-382-3974  
 
www.uct.com   
Upper Canada Family Health Team 
613-423-3333  
www.uct.com 

 
71 
Medical (No Doctor) Mobile Service Travels 
  
  
Brockville Para-Transit  613-342-7272 
www.brockville.com/transit 
Mental Health Services 
  
  
Brockville Mental Health Centre   (613) 345-1461 
www.theroyal.ca 
Canadian Mental Health Associaon Leeds        
Grenville  1-877-232-8260 
www.chma.ca 
Children's Mental Health--Elgin  1 800-809-2494 
hps://www.cmhlg.ca 
Children's Mental Health--Brockville   
hps://www.cmhlg.ca 
Children's Mental Health--Gananoque  613-382-5047 
hps://www.cmhlg.ca 
Children's Mental Health--Kemptville  613-258-1959 
hps://www.cmhlg.ca 
Children's Mental Health--Presco   613-925-1615 
hps://www.cmhlg.ca 
Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addicons and 
Mental Health   
hps://llgamh.ca/ 
Leeds Grenville Mental Health Service  (613) 382-7135 
hps://llgamh.ca/ 
Seniors Services    
  
 Leeds & Grenville Access Centre   1-800-267-4403   
Brockville 50+ Acvity Centre  1-613-345-2412  www.yplusbrockville.ca 
Meals on Wheels Leeds & Grenville   1-800-465-7646   
 1000 Island Helping Hands   613-453-6254   
Youth Informaon 
  
  
Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and        
Grenville  1-613-345-1461 
www.sptsusa.org 
Connect Youth  (613) 918-0173 
www.connectyouth.ca 
Family and Children’s Services LL&G   613-498-2100 
www.fcsllg.ca  
 Kids Help Phone   1-800-668-6868 
www.kidshelpphone.ca 
 Kids Help Phone--Text   CONNECT 686868 
www.kidshelpphone.ca 
 RNJ Youth Services    (613) 342-4238 
www.rnjyouth.com 
Housing 
     
Leeds & Grenville Housing Corporaon  613-342-3840 
www.leedsgrenville.com/en/services/social-
housing 
Leeds & Grenville Interval House  613-345-8815 
www.lgih.ca 
United counes of Leeds & Grenville  613-342-3841 
www.leedsgrenville.com 
Connect Youth  613-918-0173 
www.connectyouth.ca 

Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau

42 George St. P.O Box 576

Brockville, ON.

K6V 5V7

613-499-9393

mvilleneuve@volunteercentre.ca

info@volunteercentre.ca

www.volunteercentre.ca

Check out our Facebook page @VolunteerCentreSTLR

The Volunteer Centre of St Lawrence-Rideau is a proud member of the

Poverty Reducon Alliance of Leeds Grenville