Financial Assistance
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan provides for the payment of disability pensions to eligible CPP contributors and for the payment of benefits to their dependent children.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a disability pension from the CPP, an applicant must:
- be disabled according to the terms of the CPP legislation
- have made sufficient contributions to the plan
- be less than 65 years of age
Disability Conditions
The disability must be a physical or psychological impairment that is both severe and prolonged. That is, the disability must seriously affect the contributor's ability to earn, and must be likely to do so for more than a temporary period.
Contributory Requirements
Generally, according to the web site of Human Resources Development Canada, contributions must have been made in 4 of the last 6 years of the contributory period. During that period, you must have earned at least 10 per cent of each Year's Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE).
Applications
Applications should be made as soon as the disability condition seriously affects the ability to earn, if it will do so for more than a temporary period.
Information
More information about
CPP Disability Pensions can be obtained from an Income Security Programs Client Service Centre. Telephone numbers and addresses are listed in all telephone directories under "Human Resources Development Canada, Income Security Programs".
Ontario Disability Support Program
Persons with seizure disorders who are unable to work may apply for income or employment supports through the
Ontario Disability Support Program of the
Ontario Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services. Contact your nearest regional office for more information.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency short-term financial assistance may be available from
Ontario Works.
Contact your
local municipal Ontario Works office for current information.
Drug Benefit Card
Special assistance is available for anyone who has extraordinary needs, such as high prescription medication costs. A special needs assessment is completed for each applicant. Eligibility is based on monthly income.
Apply through the
Drug Programs Branch of the
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, or your local municipal Community Services department.
Trillium Drug Plan
The
Trillium Drug Plan is a supplementary insurance program offered by the provincial government. It is for people whose drug costs are not fully covered by a private insurance plan and who spend a large part of their income on prescription medications. Coverage is based on family income and expenses. It covers the costs of drugs listed in the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary. Medications not listed in the Formulary may be covered if your prescribing physician submits a request under the "
Section 8 Mechanism".
Travel Grants
Travel grants are available for persons who must travel distances of more than 200 kilometres each way for medical attention. A doctor's referral is required. Grant applications, available through one's own family physician, may be submitted after each trip.
When reserving tickets, check with the carrier's customer service department: many modes of transportation offer special fare discounts for those with a doctor's certificate. Many offer free transportation to a medically-required attendant.
