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Community Resources

1.  Finances and Loss of Income

2. Power of Attorney / Wills

3. Payment of Prescription Drugs

Finances and Loss of Income

Some people who have an illness or injury may not be able to work for a few weeks or months and other people may not be able to go back to work. Options to replace lost income are as follows:

Talk to the Human Resources personnel at your place of work about your coverage for sick leave, vacation leave, and short-term or long-term disability.

Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit

This is a federal program run by Human Resources Development Canada. Sickness benefits are paid up to 15 weeks.

Eligibility: 700 hours of insurable employment in the last 52 weeks or since the start of last EI claim. Some exceptions are allowed.
How Much: Most claimants receive the basic rate of 55% of their earnings to a weekly maximum. If you are a low-income family with children, you could receive a higher rate. 
When Benefits Start: There is a two-week waiting period. However, if you get paid sick leave from your employer or group insurance benefits you may not have to wait the 2 weeks. Takes 4-6 weeks to process. Ontario Works (see below) may assist during the waiting period. 
To Apply: Application forms are available from a social worker at the Hospital or at a Human Resource Centre of Canada (HRCC). 

For more information on Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits contact your local HRCC or see their web page: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/ae-ei/employment_insurance.shtml

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) - Disability Benefit

This is a federal program run by Human Resources Development Canada - Income Security Programs. Qualification for this program is based on "medical need" not "financial need".

Eligibility:  Aged 18 to 65 years ; Have enough CPP contributions ; Have a disability that is "severe and prolonged".
How Much: It depends on your contributions to the plan. Call 1-800-277-9914 to determine the amount you might be eligible for. CPP Disability Benefits are deducted from the Ontario Disability Support Program or from your private insurer. Benefits are taxable.
Disabled Contributor's Child Benefit: Dependent children may be eligible for benefits if they are less than age 18 or are between 18 and 25 attending school full time.
When Benefits Start: the 4th month after you are deemed to have become disabled. You can receive up to 12 months of retroactive payments.
To Apply: Application forms are available from a social worker at the Hospital or from Human Resources Development Canada. 

For more information on the Canada Pension Plan call 1-800-277-9914 or see their web page: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/isp/common/home.shtml

Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) - Disability Benefit is similar to CPP Disability Benefits. If you have contributed only to the QPP or if you contributed to both plans but reside in Quebec, you should contact: La Régie des rentes du Québec by calling 819-772-3049 or 1-800-463-5185.

Ontario Works

Ontario Works replaces General Welfare Assistance. This program is for people who need financial assistance to pay for day-to-day living expenses such as food, housing and utility costs.· Eligibility: It is based on a financial needs test. You can only have a certain amount of assets (does not include the value of a car). People applying for the Ontario Disability Support Program are allowed higher levels of assets.

How Much: It depends on many factors. An Ontario Drug Benefit Card is provided. There is extra financial help for: special dietary needs, medical transportation, dental/vision care for children, balance for medical equipment/prosthesis not covered by the Assistive Devices Program.

To Apply: Call your local office: 

• Ottawa area: 613-560-6000 (ask for intake)
• Lanark County (Smith Falls, Perth, Almonte, Carleton Place): 613-267-4200
• United Counties of Leeds/ Grenville (Brockville): 613-345-4101, 1-800-267-8146
• Renfrew County (Renfrew, Pembroke, Arnprior): 613-433-9846, 1-888-281-7526
• Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry County (Cornwall): 613-933-6282
• Prescott, Russell County:  613-675-4642, 1-800-667-9825

For more information on Ottawa-Carleton Ontario Works Program see their web page: http://city.ottawa.on.ca/city_services/finempsupport/8_0_en.shtml

Quebec residents: Contact your local CLSC for information on financial resources.

• Hull: 819-770-6900
• Gatineau: 819-561-2550
• Aylmer: 819-684-2251

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

ODSP replaces in part the old Family Benefits Program. This program is based on medical needs as well as financial needs. An application for ODSP goes through a medical determination process by the Disability Adjudication Unit in Toronto (medical decisions are not made locally). 

Eligibility: "have a substantial health condition expected to last more than 1 year". ODSP allows you to have more assets than what is allowed by Ontario Works. 
How Much: Dependent on various factors. Amount received is higher than what is received under Ontario Works. An Ontario Drug Card is provided. 
When Benefits Start: Application process can take 3-4 months or longer. If you do not have other income/assets you should apply for Ontario Works in the interim.
To Apply: If you qualify for Ontario Works they will initiate your application for ODSP. If you don't qualify for Ontario Works, call ODSP directly: Ottawa 613-234-1188

For more information on ODSP, contact your local office or see their web page: http://city.ottawa.on.ca/city_services/finempsupport/8_5_2_en.shtml

Private Retirement Plans and CPP or QPP Retirement Plans

Some people may choose to take any early retirement. Talk to the Human Resources personnel at your place of work. CPP and QPP benefits are accessible as early as age 60, but are reduced by 0.5% for each month that the beneficiary is away from age 65.

Other Sources of Financial Assistance

Check if you have disability insurance on your mortgage, line of credit, and credit cards.  

Essential Health & Social Support (EHSS)
In Ottawa, for those of low income, financial assistance may be provided for:

• Diabetic and Surgical Supplies
• Trillium Prescription Drug Plan Deductible 
• Dental and Vision Care for Children and Adults 
• Medical Transportation 
• Incontinence Supplies 
• Mobility Aids 
• Bathroom Aids 
• Moving Expenses 
• Assistive Devices Program Top Up

If you live in Ottawa, call Ontario Works at 613-560-6000. If you live outside Ottawa, call the Ontario Works in your local community to find out if they provide any financial assistance for the above mentioned items.

Power of Attorney and Wills

All adults should do a Power of Attorney and a Will regardless of age or health. There are two (2) types of Power of Attorney:

• Continuing Power of Attorney for Property allows you to name a person(s) to manage your financial affairs for you under specific conditions. 
• Power of Attorney for Personal Care allows you to name a person(s) to make decisions about your personal care, including health care, if you are not able to. 

For more information, talk to a lawyer or social worker at the hospital.

A Will takes effect only when a person dies. It tells people your wishes for how to distribute your belongings and it names the person (the executor) to carry out the distribution. For more information, talk to a lawyer or social worker at the Hospital.

Paying For Your Prescriptions

Options to cover the costs of prescription drugs are:

• Extended health insurance plan at work or privately. Ask for details where you work OR from the company where you bought extended health insurance. 
• Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) is for Ontario residents who fit one of the following criteria: 
  • 65 years or older
  • On CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) program
  • Receiving help through Ontario Works or 
  • Receiving Ontario Disability Support. 

There is a $2.00 co-payment charge for each prescription. High income seniors have to pay a higher co-payment and also a deductible.  Trillium Drug Program is for people who spend a large portion of their income on prescription drugs. Forms are available from: 

• your pharmacist
• social worker at the hospital
• Ontario Ministry of Health, Trillium Drug Program:  1-800-575-5386

Hospital social workers may be able to assist you if your prescription is not covered by any of the above programs and you cannot afford it. There may be other options.