HOW WE CAN HELP

Financial help

There are different financial programs available that can help people with cancer and cancer survivors, as well as their families and caregivers.

Financial support programs may change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

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Community Services Locator

The Canadian Cancer Society is here to help you find financial support.

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Transportation

We can also help you pay your expenses if you need to travel for cancer treatment.

The following are some of the other programs that you might be able to access for financial help while you are being treated for cancer and during your recovery.

Canada

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada offers a variety of programs that can help you meet your financial needs while you or someone you love is coping with cancer.

 

Employment Insurance (EI)

You can access benefits if you who lose your job through no fault of your own. This includes if there is a shortage of work in your area or your company lays you off.

Find out more about Employment Insurance (EI)

 

Sickness benefits

You can get financial help if you can’t work because of sickness, injury or quarantine.

Find out more about sickness benefits

 

Caregiving benefits

If you need to be away from work to care for or support someone who is critically ill, you can get financial help.

Find out more about caregiving benefits

 

Tax deductions

You can claim tax deductions or credits for some medical expenses that are not covered by insurance policies or other programs. There are also deductions and credits available for people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Find out more about tax deductions

 

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Canada offers different programs to help support people who are 60 to 64 years of age and 65 years of age or older.

Find out more about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

 

211

211 provides information about health and social services available in your area. The service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day by phone, chat, text and internet. 211 is a non-profit organization funded through the generous support of United Way.

Find out more about 211

 

Hope Air

If you need to travel long distances to receive medical care, Hope Air can help. This national registered charity helps Canadians in financial need fly to medical treatments.

Find out more about Hope Air

Alberta

Alberta has several programs to provide financial help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find COVID-19 info for Albertans.

 

Government of Alberta

The Government of Alberta has different financial programs that can help you and your family along your cancer journey.

 

Income support

Alberta Human Resources and Employment provides financial benefits to people and families who can’t meet their basic needs, including food, clothing and shelter.

Find out more about Alberta’s income support

 

Seniors benefit

If you are 65 years of age or older, you may qualify for a monthly cash benefit and may not need to pay Alberta Health Insurance premiums.

Find our more about the Alberta seniors benefit

 

Special needs assistance for seniors

Seniors with low incomes can apply for a cash payment to buy medical appliances and specific health and personal supports.

Find our more about special needs assistance for seniors

 

Aids to daily living

This program helps people with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness by providing financial help to buy medical equipment and supplies.

Find out more about Alberta aids to daily living