Help paying for health services

You can apply for financial assistance for special items such as eyeglasses. If you are receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, contact your case worker for more information.

If you are not receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program you can apply to EHSS. Be prepared to provide information about:

• Your family size
• The ages of your children
• Your housing costs
• Your sources of income
• The items you own
• Your expenses

Low-income residents can apply for help by calling 3-1-1 between 8:30 am and 4 pm:

• Select 1 for service in English or 2 for service in French
• Select 4 for Employment and Social Services
• Bell Relay TTY 1-800-855-0511

Low-income individuals and social assistance recipients can get help with the cost of medical supplies. For information on how to apply for short-term help call 311.

Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

• Helps any Ontario resident who has a valid Health Number and a physical disability that will continue for six months or longer
• Pays for basic supportive devices – such as wheelchairs, hearing aids and medical supplies

Costs covered by ADP

• Pays for 100 per cent of the approved cost, if you receive financial assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program
• If you are not receiving financial assistance, ADP pays 75 per cent of the cost of items such as artificial limbs, orthopedic braces, wheelchairs and breathing aids
• Contributes a fixed amount for adult hearing aids and breast prostheses
• Finances the cost of needles and syringes for diabetic seniors as well as ostomy and incontinence supplies through an annual grant

NOTE: There are limits and restrictions in all device categories. For example, the repair and replacement of damaged or stolen items is not covered by ADP.

How to apply

Apply for basic support equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids and other equipment for independent living by:

1. A physician, or a therapist recognized as an ADP authorizer must complete your application form.
2. Social Services must approve your application before you can purchase equipment from the approved vendor.
3. Get your doctor or therapist to follow up with Social Services.

Help if you can't pay the difference

Private insurance companies, service clubs and charitable organizations such as the March of Dimes, and Easter Seals may be able to help you cover additional costs. Social Services can help you when all other options are exhausted.

More information

• If you are receiving ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program), call 613-596-2035.
• If you are receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works, contact your Case Worker.
• Low-income residents can apply for help by calling 3-1-1 between 8:30 am and 4 pm
  • Select 1 for service in English or 2 for service in French
  • Select 4 for Employment and Social Services

TTY Line 1-800-855-0511

There are two programs to help you pay for prescription drugs: the Ontario Drug Benefit program and the Trillium Drug Program.

Ontario Drug Benefit program

You qualify if you are:

• Receiving financial assistance through Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• 65 years of age or older
• A resident of a long-term care facility or a home for special care
• Receiving professional services under the Home Care program
• A Trillium Drug Program recipient

Trillium Drug program

You qualify if:

• You are a low-income individual or family
• Your insurance covers only a portion of your drug costs
• Most, but not all, prescription drugs are covered. Your doctor can apply to the Ministry of Health to request that a drug be covered.
• There is usually a minimal pharmacy fee of $2 for each prescription.
• Some seniors and Trillium Drug Program recipients must pay a certain deductible for their own prescriptions. This amount varies according to your family size and income. If you can't afford the deductible, the City will look at your financial situation and needs to determine if you are eligible for extra help.
• You must provide receipts for all paid prescriptions.

How to apply:

• For the Ontario Drug Benefit program, your coverage is automatic if you are receiving financial or residential assistance.
• Seniors contact their pharmacist.
• For help paying the deductible for Ontario Drug Benefit or Trillium Drug Program, low-income residents can apply for help by calling 3-1-1 between 8:30 am and 4 pm:
  • ​​Select 1 for service in English or 2 for service in French
  • Select 4 for Employment and Social Services
  • Bell Relay TTY 1-800-855-0511