Financial help
Community Services Locator
The Canadian Cancer Society is here to help you find financial support.
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.
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.
Ontario
Ontario offers a variety of financial programs to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out more about the government’s response to COVID-19.
Government of Ontario
The Government of Ontario has different financial programs that can help you and your family along your cancer journey.
Ontario Works
Ontario Works offers help to people in temporary financial need. This program provides money to cover your living expenses and help with finding a job.
Find out more about Ontario Works
Emergency assistance
This program can cover the cost of basic needs, such as food and housing, for people who are in a crisis or emergency situation and are not already getting support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Find out more about emergency assistance
Low-income workers tax credit
This is a personal tax credit to people who earn a low income, including those earning minimum wage.
Find out more about the low-income workers tax credit
Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
This program provides a monthly, non-taxable benefit to eligible low-income seniors.
Find out more about the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
Ontario drug benefits
This is a collection of 6 plans that offer financial help to cover the cost of prescription drugs and some medical supplies.
Find out more about the Ontario drug benefits
Trillium Drug Program
This program offers financial help to people who have high prescription drug costs relative to their household income.
Find out more about the Trillium Drug Program
Exceptional access program
This program can help pay for medicines and medical devices that are not normally covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit program.
Find out more about the exceptional access program
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)
The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) offers a financial assistance program for families with a child receiving cancer treatment. They can help you with some of the costs of accommodation, food and child care.
Find out more about the POGO oncology financial assistance program
Ontario Energy Board
The Ontario Energy board offers programs to help cover your energy costs.
Low-income energy assistance program
If you are having trouble paying your electricity or natural gas bills, you may qualify for financial help.
Find about more about the low-income energy assistance program
Ontario electricity support program
You may be able to reduce your electricity bills if you have a low income.