Financial Assistance

There are a variety of provincial and federal programs aimed at providing financial help for people with temporary or permanent disabilities resulting from arthritis or other chronic conditions. Most programs have eligibility criteria that must be met in order to qualify for the benefits and different programs may define ‘disability’ in different ways.

Government of Canada - Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits

Short-term financial assistance if a person is unable to work because of their medical condition. 1-800-206-7218
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/

Government of Canada - Canada Pension Plan Disability

Provides financial assistance to those who have contributed to CPP in 4 of the 6 years prior to the date of disability. The disability must be “prolonged and severe.” 1-800-277-9914 http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/

Government of Canada - Tax Credits for People with Disabilities

Disability tax credit, Goods and Services Tax Credit or Federal Excise Gasoline Tax Refund 1-800-959-8281 www.cra-arc.gc.ca/disability

Government of British Columbia - BC Disability Benefits

For clients who are directly and significantly restricted in their ability to perform activities of daily living. www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/publicat/vol1/index.htm

Government of British Columbia - Child Care Subsidy

Subsidy to help meet the cost of childcare for those living with a medical condition that interferes with childcare activities 604-660-2421 1-800-663-7867 250-387-6121 www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/ccs.htm

Government of British Columbia - BC Government of Motor Fuel Tax Rebate Program

A refund of the provincial tax paid on gasoline, diesel or propane for vehicles used by people with disabilities. 604-660-4500 250-356-6439
www.rev.gov.bc.ca

Government of British Columbia - Medical Service Plan (MSP) Premium Assistance

People with a low-income may qualify for reduced MSP premium charges. 604-683-7151 1-800-663-7100 250-382-8406
www.gov.bc.ca/healthservices

Government of British Columbia - BC PharmaCare Plan

Financial Assistance for prescription drugs based on income 250-952-1742 1-800-387-4977 www.hlth.gov.bc.ca/pharme

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